Context-based alerts for an electronic device

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and method for providing an output for an electronic device. In certain embodiments, an alert is output in accordance with a current alert mode, which are selected based on one or more environmental conditions. The environmental conditions may be detected using one or more environmental sensors. The alert can optionally include one or more of: an audio component, a haptic component and a visual component. One or more of alert components correspond to an aspect of the environmental condition detected by the one or more environmental sensors.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/595,593, filed May 15, 2017, and entitled “Context-Based Alerts foran Electronic Device,” which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/503,339, filed Sep. 30, 2014, and entitled“Context-Based Alerts for an Electronic Device,” now U.S. Pat. No.9,659,482, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/044,657, filed Sep. 2, 2014, andentitled “Context-Based Alerts for an Electronic Device,” all of whichare incorporated by reference as if fully disclosed herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Generally, the present disclosure is directed to selecting and providingan alert level for an electronic device. Specifically, the presentdisclosure is directed to providing an alert that is selected from a setof three or more alert modes based on one or more environmentalconditions associated with the electronic device.

BACKGROUND

Electronic devices have become ubiquitous in our daily lives. Certainelectronic devices including, cell phones, tablet computers, personaldigital assistants, and the like have become common items in theworkplace and at home. Some of these electronic devices include anability to notify a user particular item of interest, such as, forexample, an incoming phone call, or may otherwise attempt to gain theuser's attention through the use of an alarm or signal.

SUMMARY

In many electronic devices, certain qualities of the notification areeither fixed or must be manually adjust by the user to accommodatedifferent environmental conditions. However, depending on the operatingenvironment of the device, the notification may be undesirable orinappropriate. It is with respect to these and other generalconsiderations that embodiments of the present disclosure have beenmade. Also, although relatively specific problems have been discussed,it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein should notbe limited to solving the specific problems identified in thebackground.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription section. This summary is not intended to identify keyfeatures or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is itintended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimedsubject matter.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and method forproviding an alert in response to detecting an occurrence of an event.In some embodiments, in response to detecting the occurrence of theevent, a response to the event is determined based on a current alertmode selected from a set of three or more alert modes. The selection maybe based on the one or more environmental conditions. In accordance witha determination that the current alert mode is a first alert mode, afirst alert may be output in response to the event. In accordance with adetermination that the current alert mode is a second alert mode, asecond alert may be output in response to the event. The second alertmay be different from the first alert.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and method forforgoing an alert in response to detecting a level of user activity orreceiving a number or event notifications that are below a threshold. Insome embodiments, in response to detecting the event, an output of analert is forgone, in accordance with a determination that an activitylevel exceeds a threshold. The alert is output in accordance with adetermination that the activity level does not exceed the threshold. Insome embodiments, in response to detecting the event, an alert is outputin accordance with a determination that a number of events that havebeen detected over a predetermined period exceeds a threshold. Theoutput of an alert is forgone in accordance with a determination thatthe number of events that have been detected over the predeterminedperiod does not exceed the threshold.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and method forproviding a modified alert sequence in response to detecting aninteraction by the user. In some embodiments, a portion of an alertsequence is output. An interaction with the user is detected during theoutputting of the portion of the alarm sequence, and in response todetecting the interaction, a modified alert sequence is selected inresponse to the input. The modified alert sequence is output using thedevice.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and method forselecting a device to output an alert in response to detecting anotherdevice that is in proximity to the electronic device. In someembodiments, in response to detecting an event, an alert-output deviceis selected in accordance with a determination that a second device isin proximity to the first device, and the alert is output on thealert-output device.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and method forproviding an audio and haptic output that depends on the speed of a userinput. In some embodiments, a first input is received on the that isbelow an input threshold. In response to detecting the first input, afirst output is produced using the device. The first output includes ahaptic component for the first input that is coordinated with an audiocomponent for the first input. A second input is received on the device,and in response to detecting the second input, a second output isproduced. In accordance with a determination that the second input isbelow the input threshold, the second output includes a haptic componentfor the second input that is coordinated with an audio component for thesecond input, and in accordance with a determination that the secondinput is above the input threshold, the second output includes amodified haptic component for the second input.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-B depict example electronic devices that may be used to providean alert according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 depicts an example electronic device being worn by a useraccording to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 depicts an example electronic device being worn and anotherexample electronic device being carried by the user according to one ormore embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 depicts an example electronic device in an exemplary operatingenvironment according to one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 5 depicts a user interacting with an example electronic deviceaccording to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 depicts example user input to an electronic device according toone or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7A depicts a process for determining a response to an eventaccording to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7B depicts a process for determining whether or not to respond toan event based on user activity according to one or more embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 7C depicts a process for determining whether or not to respond toan event based on a number of events according to one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7D depicts a process for outputting a modified alert sequenceaccording to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7E depicts a process for determining an output device according toone or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7F depicts a process for producing an audio and haptic feedback inresponse to a user input according to one or more embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIGS. 8-9 are block diagrams of an example electronic device that may beused with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 depicts an example acoustic module of an electronic device thatmay be used with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 11A-B depict an example haptic actuator of an electronic devicethat may be used with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 depicts an example crown with an optical encoder that may beused with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 13-18 depict functional block diagrams of electronic devices inaccordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure provide asystem and method for producing an alert according to an alert mode thatis automatically selected based on one or more environmental conditions.The environmental conditions optionally relate to the ambient conditionsin which the electronic device is being operated. In someimplementations, the electronic device detects or senses theenvironmental conditions using one or more sensors associated with anelectronic device. The output from the one or more sensors is,optionally used to determine or estimate certain qualities of theenvironmental conditions or operating environment of the electronicdevice, including, for example, noise level, light level, motion level,and the like. Based on the one or more environmental conditions, analert mode is, optionally selected from a set of three or more alertmodes. In response to detecting the occurrence of an event, the deviceoptionally produces an alert, in accordance with the selected alert modethat corresponds to the one or more environmental conditions.

Each alert mode may define a distinct alert that may include multiplecomponents that provide different types of stimuli to the user. Forexample, an alert mode may define an audio component, a visualcomponent, and/or a haptic component. Additionally, an alert mode maydefine a relative timing between components. For example, the alert modeoptionally defines a slight delay between an audio component and ahaptic component to produce a composite stimulus that is more readilydetected by the user in some situations. The components of the alert,including the relative timing of the components, can be varied toprovide a composite stimulus that is tailored to a particular scenarioor set of environmental conditions. In some cases, the alert mode can beautomatically selected based on the one or more environmental conditionsthat are detected.

In some embodiments, the environmental sensor is a microphone that isconfigured to detect an ambient sound level. The alert mode may beselected based on ambient sound level detected by the sensor. In somecases, the selected alert mode includes an audio component thatcorresponds to or is appropriate for the ambient sound level detected bythe sensor. In some cases, the environmental sensor is a motion sensorthat is configured to detect an activity level, which is used to selectan alert mode. The alert mode that is selected can have an audiocomponent, a haptic component, and/or visual component that correspondsto detected the activity level. In some cases, the environmental sensoris an image sensor that is configured to detect an ambient light level,which is used to select an alert mode. In some cases, one or moresensors are configured to detect a current battery level, which can,optionally be used to select an alert mode that conserves power orreduced peak power usage. For example, by separating the timing of audioand haptic alert components of an alert the peak power output may bereduced. Also, by reducing the amplitude of audio and/or haptic alertcomponents, the peak power output may be reduced.

In some implementations, the alert is tailored to represent a series ofevents that are detected over a predetermined time. In some embodiments,a series of closely occurring events results in a single, batched alertinstead of triggering a series of individual alerts for each event. Forexample, a series of text messages may be received over a relativelyshort time period. Instead of producing a separate alert for each textmessage, an alert output may be held or forgone for a period of time andthen a single, batched output may be produced. A combined or batchedalert may be useful, for example, when a large number of event occurover a period of time, or when the time between events is very small. Inthese cases, producing a single alert may be more effective in capturingthe user's attention and may also prevent alert fatigue. For example, ifa user receives a large number of alerts over a short time period, orreceives a nearly continuous stream of alerts, the user may begin toignore or disregard the alerts.

In one specific example, the number of events that occur over a periodof time are monitored by the device. If the number of events is lessthan a threshold amount, the device can, optionally forgo outputting analert. However, once the number of events exceeds the threshold, acomposite or batched alert can, optionally be produced or output by thedevice. Events that are monitored include, without limitation, receivingan e-mail, receiving a phone call, receiving a message, and/or receivingcalendar reminder.

In some implementations, an alert is conditionally delayed or forgonewhile a user is active. If, for example, the user is engaged in exerciseor heavy activity, the stimulus provided by an alert may not be readilydetected. Thus, in some cases it may be advantageous to monitor ordetect a user's activity level and, if an event occurs during a periodof high or heavy activity, the alert associated with that event is,optionally delayed or forgone until the activity is below a thresholdlevel. In some implementations, the activity level is based on themovement of the device, as detected by one or more motion sensors, orusing one or more biometric sensors that are configured detect a user'sphysiological state, such as a pulse or blood oxygenation.

In some implementations, an alert is a sequence of alert outputs thatare configured to escalate by producing a stimulus or output thatincreases in intensity over time. In some cases, the escalation sequenceor progression of the alert is interrupted and caused to be modified dueto a user interaction with the device. In some embodiments, anescalating alert sequence is output by the device up until receiving aninput from the user or other interaction from the user. (e.g., the usermay touch the screen of the device or provide another form of input thatis detected by the device.) In response to receiving the input, thedevice may select and output a modified alert sequence. In the case thatthe original alert sequence included an intensifying stimulus, themodified alert sequence may be non-escalating or have a substantiallyuniform stimulus.

In some implementations, the device is configured to detect or determineif another device is in proximity to the user when an event is receivedor detected. The device can, conditionally determine which device isappropriate for outputting an alert associated with the event. In someimplementations, the alert is output on only one of the devices that aredetermined to be in proximity to the user. The appropriate device can beselected based on a number of different criteria. For example, the lastdevice that has been used by the user can be selected. Additionally oralternatively, the device that the user is currently interacting with oris predicted to be most likely to capture the user's attention can beselected to output the alert. This feature may be advantageous inreducing the number of alerts that are output and increase thelikelihood that the alert will capture the user's attention.

In some implementations, the device is configured to produce a stimulusthat provides feedback for a user-action or input to the device. Thisfeature may be advantageous for some user input components, such aselectronic sensors, that may have few or no moving parts to providefeedback to the user that an input is being received. For example, whena user scrolls through a list of items using a touch screen, an audioclick and/or a haptic tap may indicate the progression through the list.This may be more readily perceived by the user or more satisfying than,for example, the visual scrolling of the items alone. In some cases, thestimulus may be adapted to mimic a sound or haptic response that theuser may associate with a more traditional mechanical device. In someembodiments, an audio and/or haptic output corresponds to a user inputusing, for example, an electronic dial or button.

For example, a user can, optionally provide an input on a device used todrive a function or task and a synchronized audio and haptic response isused to provide the user with feedback. In some cases, if the feedbackcorresponds to the speed of the input, it may be possible to exceed themechanical response of, for example, a haptic actuator used to producethe feedback. Thus, in some cases, it may be beneficial to monitor ordetect the speed of the user input and transition the haptic outputfrom, for example, a synchronous to an asynchronous or continuous outputwhen the speed of the input exceeds a threshold.

The implementations described above may be implemented on an electronicdevice that is configured to produce one or more forms of output to theuser. FIGS. 1A-B illustrate exemplary electronic devices 100 and 130respectively that can be used to provide an alert or other outputaccording to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Incertain embodiments, each of the electronic devices 100 and 130 areportable computing devices. For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, theelectronic device 100 is a wearable electronic device. In someembodiments, as shown in FIG. 1B, the electronic device 130 is a mobilephone. Although specific examples have been given, additional electronicdevices may be used. For example, the electronic device of the presentdisclosure can include various types of portable computing devices,including tablet computers, laptop computers, time keeping devices,computerized glasses, navigation devices, sports devices, portable musicplayers, health devices, medical devices and the like.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the wearable electronic device 100 included adisplay 110. The display 110 can, optionally be formed from a liquidcrystal display (LCD), organic light emitting diode (OLED) display,organic electroluminescence (OEL) display, or other type of displaydevice. The display 110 can, optionally also include or be integratedwith a touch sensor configured to accept touch input from the user overan input area. In some implementations, the input area covers the entirearea of the display 110 or a portion of the display 110. In someimplementations, the touch sensor is able to detect and measure alocation and/or a force of a touch in the input area. The electronicdevice 130 also includes one or more buttons 140 or components forreceiving input from the user.

The display 110 is configured to present various forms of visual outputto the user. For example, the display 110 can, optionally provide a userinterface that outputs information generated or received by the wearableelectronic device 100. In some instances, the display 110 presentsinformation corresponding to one or more applications that are executedor stored on the electronic device 100 and/or information related tocommunications received by the electronic device 100. Such applicationscan, optionally include e-mail applications, phone applications,calendaring applications, game applications, time keeping applicationsand the like. In some implementations, the display 110 also provides avisual output that corresponds to an alert associated with an eventdetected by or received by the wearable electronic device 100. Exampleevents include, without limitation, receiving an e-mail message,receiving a phone call, receiving a text message, receiving calendarreminder, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the electronic device 130 can, optionally alsoinclude a mobile phone or other such computing device. The electronicdevice 130 includes a display 150 for providing an visual outputgenerated or received by electronic device 130, as described above withrespect to FIG. 1A, including the output of a visual component of analert. The display 150 can, optionally also include or be integratedwith a touch sensor configured to detect and measure a location and/or aforce of a touch of touch input provided by the user.

The wearable electronic device 100 and the electronic device 130 can,optionally also include other devices or components for producingoutput, including, without limitation, a speaker, buzzer, or otherdevice configured to generate an audio output. An audio output can beused as part of an alert produced by the device. As previouslymentioned, an alert can, optionally include an audio component as partof a composite alert that includes multiple forms of stimuli, including,audio, visual, and/or haptic components. In some implementations, anaudio output is also used to provide feedback to the user that isrelated to an action or function being performed on the device. In someembodiments, described in more detail below, an audio output correspondsto a user input to provide the user with feedback that the input isbeing received by the device.

The wearable electronic device 100 and the electronic device 130 can,optionally also include other components for producing a visual output,including, for example, a light beacon, a light source, a glowingcomponent, a display, or the like. Components that are configured toproduce a visual output can be used to provide a visual component of analert. In some implementations, the output produced by these componentsis combined with the visual output of the display 110, 150, and othercomponents as part of a composite or multi-stimulus alert.

The wearable electronic device 100 and the electronic device 130 can,optionally also include a haptic actuator for producing a haptic outputthat may be perceived as a stimulus by the user. The haptic output canbe used as part of an alert produced by the device. As previouslymentioned, the haptic output can, optionally form part an alertassociated with an event detected or received by the device 100, 130. Inparticular, the haptic output can form a haptic component of a(composite) alert that includes multiple forms of stimuli, including,audio, visual, and/or haptic components. The haptic output can also beused to provide feedback to the user that is related to an action orfunction being performed on the device. In some embodiments, describedin more detail below, a haptic output corresponds to a user input toprovide the user with feedback that the input is being received by thedevice.

The wearable electronic device 100 can, optionally also include a band120 or a strap that is used to connect or secure the wearable electronicdevice 100 to a user. In some embodiments, the wearable electronicdevice 100 includes a lanyard or necklace. In some embodiments, thewearable electronic device 100 is secured to or within another part of auser's body. In these and other embodiments, the strap, band, lanyard,or other securing mechanism can, optionally include one or moreelectronic components or sensors in wireless or wired communication withan accessory. For example, the band 120 can, optionally include a hapticactuator that is configured to produce a haptic output that may besensed on the wrist of the user. In some embodiments, the band 120 alsoincludes a component for producing an audio and/or visual output,similar to as discussed above with respect to the device 100, 130.Additionally, in some embodiments, the band 120 includes one or moresensors, an auxiliary battery, a camera, or any other suitableelectronic component.

The wearable electronic device 100 and the electronic device 130 can,optionally also include one or more sensors for monitoring and detectingenvironmental conditions. Some example sensor components are describedin more detail with respect to FIGS. 8-9. In the present example, thedevices 100, 130 include a microphone or other type of acoustic sensorthat is configured to receive acoustic input from the user of from thesurrounding environment. In some implementations, the microphone oracoustic sensor are configured to function as environmental sensors thatare adapted to receive ambient sound. In some cases, the microphone andother components of the devices 100, 130 are configured to determine anambient sound level. In some embodiments, the devices 100, 130 areconfigured to activate the microphone over a predetermined period oftime and record ambient sounds that are received. In some embodiments,the recorded signals are be processed to eliminate or reduce outlierinput and compute an average or representative audio input. Theprocessed audio signals can be used to determine an ambient sound level.

In the present example, the devices 100, 130 also include one or moremotion sensors that are configured to detect motion of the device. Insome implementations, the motion sensor(s) includes one or more of: anaccelerometer, a gyro-sensor, a tilt sensor, rotation sensor, and thelike. In some implementations, the motions sensor or sensors areconfigured to function as an environmental sensor that is adapted todetect overall activity of the user. In some embodiments, the devices100, 130 are configured to activate or receive input from the motionsensor(s) over a predetermined period of time and record the motion ofthe device. In some embodiments, the number of motion events and themagnitude of the events are be used to compute or determine an estimatedactivity level of the user.

The devices 100, 130 can, optionally also include one or more opticalsensors that are configured to function as an environmental sensor. Theone or more optical sensors may include, for example, an ambient lightsensor (ALS), an image sensor (camera), an optical proximity sensor andthe like. In some implementations, the one or more optical sensors areused to determine an ambient light level surrounding the device. In someembodiments, the one or more optical sensors are configured to estimatethe environmental lighting conditions based on an optical signal oramount of light received by the one or more sensors. Additionally oralternatively, the one or more optical light sensors can be used todetect the user's face and determine whether or not the user is likelyto notice a visual output of the device.

In addition, the devices 100, 130 can, optionally include other types ofenvironmental sensors for collecting information about one or moreenvironmental conditions. For example, the devices 100, 130 may alsoinclude a temperature sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a moisturesensor, a humidity sensor, a magnetic compass sensor, and the like.These sensors can be used alone or in combination to determine orestimate an environmental condition surrounding the device 100, 130.

Although not shown in FIGS. 1A-B, the wearable electronic device 100 andthe electronic device 130 can, optionally include a processor, a memory,and other components. These components, as well as other components ofan exemplary computing device are described in more detail below withrespect to FIGS. 8-9. Further, the wearable electronic device 100 andthe electronic device 130 can also, optionally include or be integratedwith other components, including, for example, a keyboard or other inputmechanism. Additionally, in some embodiments, the devices 100, 130include one or more components that enable the devices 100, 130 toconnect to the internet and/or access one or more remote databases orstorage devices. In some embodiments, the devices 100, 130 also enablecommunication over wireless media such as acoustic, radio frequency(RF), infrared, and other wireless media mediums. Such communicationchannels can be configured to enable the devices 100, 130 to remotelyconnect and communicate with one or more additional devices such as, forexample, a laptop computer, tablet computer, mobile telephone, personaldigital assistant, portable music player, speakers and/or headphones andthe like.

FIG. 2 depicts an example electronic device being worn by a user andsubjected to one or more environmental conditions according to one ormore embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 may represent anelectronic device 100 subjected to one or more environmental conditionsthat may relevant to the user's potential interaction with the device100, particularly an alert or stimulus produced by the device. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 2, the device 100 may be subjected to motion220 due to movement or activity of the user 210. As shown in FIG. 2, themotion 220 may include movement in more than one direction and may alsoinclude a combination of rotational and translational movement. Asdescribed above with respect to FIGS. 1A-B, the device 100 can,optionally include one or more motion sensors that are configured toproduce an output that can be used to compute or determine an activitylevel of the user 210. In some cases, the activity level of the user, asdetected by the one or more motion sensors, is indicative of the abilityof the user 210 to perceive certain types of stimuli. In someimplementations, an appropriate alert mode is selected that correspondsto the user's activity level. In some cases, the alert mode that isselected has one or more components (e.g., audio, haptic, visual) thatcorrespond to the activity level of the user 210. Additionally, oralternatively, the activity level of the user 210 can, conditionally beused to forgo or delay the output of an alert until the user 210 is atrest and may be more likely to perceive the alert.

In addition, the device 100 may be subjected to particular type acousticenvironmental condition or conditions. For example, if the user 210 iswalking through a crowded area or in a noisy environment, the device 100may be subjected to loud or high acoustic level environmentalconditions. Conversely, the device 100 may be subjected to quiet or lowacoustic level environmental conditions if, for example, the user 210 isalone in a room or interior space. As described above with respect toFIGS. 1A-B, the device can, optionally include a microphone or otheracoustic sensor that is configured to produce an output that can be usedto compute or determine an ambient sound level surrounding the user 210.In some implementations, the ambient sound level detected by thesensor(s) is indicative of the user's 210 ability to perceive certaintypes of stimuli. In some implementations, an appropriate alert mode isselected that corresponds to the ambient sound level. In some cases, thealert mode that is selected has one or more components (e.g., audio,haptic, visual) that correspond to the acoustic level detected by thesensor(s).

With respect to FIG. 2, the device 100, may also be subjected to ambientlighting conditions, which may be detected using one or more opticalsensors, as described above with respect to FIGS. 1A-B. For example, theone or more optical sensors are able to detect low level or darklighting conditions, which may be consistent with the user 210 beinglocated in a movie theater, presentation, or other quiet area.Similarly, the one or more optical sensors are also be able to detect ifthe device 100 is being subjected to sunlight conditions, which may beconsistent with an outdoor setting or open public area. In someimplementations, an appropriate alert mode is selected based on theambient lighting conditions. In some cases, the alert mode that isselected has one or more components (e.g., audio, haptic, visual) thatcorrespond to the light level detected by the sensor(s).

Additionally, the output from one or more types of sensors can becombined to detect an environmental condition or set of conditions.Specifically, in some embodiments, the light sensor(s), acousticsensor(s), and/or motion sensor(s) are used to estimate or detect a oneor more environmental conditions. In some circumstances, the activitylevel of the user can be more accurately determined by using the outputof the one or more motion sensors with the output of the acousticsensor. More specific examples are provided below with respect to FIGS.7A-B.

FIG. 3 depicts an example electronic device being worn and anotherexample electronic device being carried by the user and subjected to oneor more environmental conditions according to one or more embodiments ofthe present disclosure. In some embodiments, multiple devices 100, 130are located proximate to the user 210 at the same time. As shown in FIG.3, a wearable electronic device 100 and a mobile phone 130 are locatedproximate to the user. Additionally, a laptop computer, desktopcomputer, or other electronic device may be located in thenear-immediate vicinity. In some implementations, one or more of thedevices (100, 130) are be used to determine the environmental conditionssurrounding the user 210. In some cases, if more than one devices areproximate to the user 210, the devices automatically pair by a Bluetoothor similar wireless communications protocol.

With respect to FIG. 3, the devices 100, 130 can be configured tocommunicate information related to the environmental conditions to eachother to obtain a more accurate or more complete information aboutenvironmental conditions. For example, the motion sensor output thewearable device 100 can be used in combination with the motion sensoroutput of the other device 100 to compute or determine a more accurateestimate of the activity level of the user 210. Additionally, in someembodiments, the optical sensor output from each device 100, 130 iscompared or combined to estimate an ambient lighting condition. Forexample, the relative difference between the optical sensors of therespective devices 100, 130 can be used to determine that the device 130is located in the pocket of a user rather than in a dark room.Similarly, in some embodiments, the output from the acoustic sensors(e.g., microphones) of the respective devices 100, 130 are be combinedand/or compared to determine a more accurate or complete estimation ofambient lighting conditions. In some implementations, an alert mode isselected based on environmental conditions detected by one or bothdevices that are in proximity to the user 210. In some cases, one outputdevice is selected or designated to output an alert, thereby preventingmultiple alerts being sent to the user 210 at or near the same time.

Additionally, with respect to FIG. 3, if there are multiple electronicdevices proximate to or in the immediate vicinity of the user 210, itmay be undesirable to output an alert on each device separately when anevent is detect. Thus, in some cases, it may be advantageous todetermine or identify a single device for outputting an alert. Forexample, the device that is most likely to be perceived by the user can,conditionally be selected or identified as the output device. Specificexamples of this functionality are described below with respect to FIG.7E.

FIG. 4 depicts an example electronic device in an exemplary operatingenvironment according to one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure. As shown in FIG. 4, the device 130 is placed on a desk,table, or other surface when, for example, the device 130 is not in use.In some implementations, the one or more sensors are used to detect thisscenario, which may correspond to a conditions where the user is notproximate to the device or may not readily perceive a stimulus or alertoutput by the device 130. In some embodiments, this scenario orenvironmental condition is detected using one or more motion sensors,which are used to determine a static activity level. The output fromother sensors, including the microphone and the one or more opticalsensors can, conditionally also be used to determine that the device 130is subjected to a static activity level or environmental conditionsconsistent with a device that is not in use.

FIG. 5 depicts a user interacting with an example electronic deviceaccording to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As shownin FIG. 5, the user 210 may interact with the device by, for example,making a selection on a touch-sensitive surface of the device 100. Inparticular, the user may actively interact with the device by touchingor pressing a touch-sensitive display of the device 100. In some cases,the device 100 is be able to sense that the user is looking at thedisplay, and therefore, at least passively interacting with the device.Passive interaction may be detected, for example, using one or moreoptical sensors to detect the position and movement of the user's head.In some cases, the one or more optical sensors are configured to sensethe location and movement of the user's eye, which may be consistentwith the user 210 reading or watching the display of the device 100. Apassive interaction may also be detected, for example, using one or moretouch sensors that detect the user's hand position or grip on thedevice. In some cases, an active mode is selected which corresponds to ascenario or condition in which the user is either actively or passivelyinteracting with the device. Additionally, in some cases, active orpassive interaction from the user may be used to interrupt an escalatingalert sequence and output modified alert sequence that is non-escalatingor otherwise different.

FIG. 6 depicts example user input to an electronic device according toone or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As previouslydiscussed, the device 100 can, optionally be configured to output astimulus in response to a user input on a device. For example, as shownin FIG. 6, the user may provide touch input 615 on a touch display 110or other touch-sensitive surface of the device. As shown in FIG. 6, atwo-dimensional scrolling or panning input may be provided by moving thetouch along one or more directions on the touch sensitive surface of thedevice. In some implementations, an audible audio output, such as a beepor click, is be produced as items or objects are indexed on the display110 in response to the user input 615. In some implementations, a hapticoutput is coordinated with the audio output, such as a tap or bump. Theaudio and haptic output can, conditionally be synchronized.

Similarly, in some implementations, an audio and/or haptic output isproduced in response to a rotational user input 612 provided using thecrown 610 or knob. In some embodiments, the crown 610 is operativelycoupled to a position sensor, such as an optical encoder, that isconfigured to produce an output signal that corresponds to therotational input provided by the user. An example crown and positionsensor are described in more detail below with respect to FIG. 12.

In some embodiments, an audible click and a haptic tap is output by thedevice for a predetermined amount of movement of the crown 610 or knob.For example, the device may, conditionally produce an output for every 5degrees of movement of the crown 610. As explained in more detail belowwith respect to FIG. 7F, the output may be dependent, at least in part,on the speed or rate that the user input (615, 612) is provided. Forexample, if the speed of the user input (615, 612) exceeds a certainthreshold, the device used to produce the haptic output may not be ableto keep up. In particular, the response time of the haptic device may behigher than the time between haptic outputs. To help address thislimitation, in some cases, the haptic output can be configurable tochange from a synchronous output to an asynchronous output as the userinput exceeds a certain threshold.

Specific example processes for producing an output using a device aredescribed below with respect to FIGS. 7A-F. In accordance with thefollowing examples, one or more of the devices described above withrespect to FIGS. 1A-B can be used. Additionally, the device(s) can,optionally include internal components or elements consistent with FIGS.8-9, described in more detail below. While certain processes and thedevice hardware implementations are provided by way of example, it isnot intended that the description be limited to those exampleembodiments.

FIG. 7A illustrates an example process 700 determining a response to anevent according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Asdiscussed above, it may be advantageous for a device to produce anoutput that corresponds to or has been adapted for one or moreenvironmental conditions. In particular, a device can be configured toproduce an alert or stimulus that is formulated to capture the attentionof the user. However, the effectiveness of the alert may depend, inpart, on one or more environmental conditions, which may change overtime or user activity. Thus, it may be beneficial to detect the presentstate of one or more environmental conditions and select an outputhaving a stimulus that corresponds to the detected environmentalcondition(s). The operations of process 700 may be performed using, forexample, the example devices described above with respect to FIGS. 1A-B.

In operation 701, an event is detected by the device. In someimplementations, the device detects the occurrence of an event by, forexample, receiving a notification or a message related to the event. Insome embodiments, the device receives a notification or message that theuser has received an incoming e-mail message, text message, telephonecall, voicemail message, and the like. In some implementations, thenotification or message is received by an external device or service viaa wired or wireless communication network. Alternatively, in someembodiments, an event is detected by, for example, receiving anotification or message from an application or program that is beingexecuted on the device. For example, a clock alarm, clock timer,calendar scheduler, or similar program may trigger an event that isdetected by the device. In other examples, an event is triggered inrelation to a wide range of activities, including, satisfying personalhealth goal, reaching a geographic location, or meeting some othercriteria or condition. In some implementations, when the device is apersonal health device capable of one or more measuring physiologicalfunctions, an event corresponds to a physiological function exceeding athreshold or satisfying a condition. For example, an event can,conditionally be triggered in response to reaching a target heart rate,oxygenation level, or similar physiological condition.

In operation 702, a response to the event is determined. In someimplementations, the response to the detected event is determined basedon a current alert mode. In some embodiments, the current alert mode isselected based on one or more environmental conditions. In order toassure the relevancy of the selection, in some implementations, the oneor more environmental conditions are detected concurrently with eitherthe detection of the alert and/or the selection of the current alertmode. However, in some implementations, all of the environmentalconditions are not present or occurring exactly when the detectionand/or selection occurs.

With respect to operation 702, in some implementations, the currentalert mode is selected from a set of three or more alert modes. Aspreviously discussed, in some implementations, an alert includesmultiple forms of stimuli, including, for example, audio, haptic, orvisual components. In one embodiment, each of the three or more alertmodes includes one or more of: an audio component, a haptic component,and a visual component. Additionally, the components (audio, haptic,visual) can, conditionally vary in intensity and in form depending onthe alert mode.

In operations 703 and 704, in accordance with a determination that thecurrent alert mode is a first alert mode, a first alert is output inresponse to the event. Similarly, in operations 705 and 706, inaccordance with a determination that the current alert mode is a secondalert mode, a second alert is output in response to the event.Furthermore, similar determinations can be made for as many alert modesthat are defined or available for selection. As previously mentioned,each of the alert modes may vary with respect to each other in someaspect. For example, the components that are used (e.g., audio, haptic,visual) may vary, as well as the intensity and the form of eachcomponent for each alert mode.

In some implementations, the alert mode is automatically selected basedon the one more environmental conditions that are detected by thedevice. In some cases, the current alert mode is selected prior todetecting the occurrence of the event. For example, the relevancy of thealert mode may be checked and the current alert mode may be selected orconfirmed according to a regularly repeating interval. Additionally, insome implementations, the current alert mode is selected or confirmed ator near the same time that the event occurs. For example, the occurrenceof an event can be used to trigger the selection of the current alertmode.

In some implementations, environmental conditions relate to the physicalenvironment that in which the device is being operated in or conditionsthat the device is subjected. Environmental conditions that are used toselect the current alert mode can include, without limitation, acousticnoise, user activity, device motion, device orientation ambient light,and others. Environmental conditions generally do not include specificalert setting established by a user, such as quiet hours or a silentmode. Additionally, environmental conditions may not, in some cases,include the geographic location of the device.

In some embodiments, the environmental conditions are monitored anddetected using one or more of the sensors associated with the device.Example environmental sensors include, without limitation,accelerometers, gyroscopes, tilt sensors, microphones, light sensors,image sensors, proximity sensors, and the like. Example environmentalsensors are described above with respect to FIGS. 1A-B, above, and FIGS.8-10, below. It is not necessary that each of the sensors be located onthe device. As mentioned previously with respect to FIG. 3, multipledevices that are located in the same vicinity or proximate to each othercan be configured to share sensor data via a data link or othercommunication scheme.

With respect to each of the following examples, one or moreenvironmental sensors can be configured to detect particularenvironmental conditions, and the output of those sensors used to selectan alert mode having elements or components that correspond to thedetected conditions. In some cases, the environmental sensors are usedto compute a changed or changing environmental condition andautomatically provide for different alert outputs for the same type ofevent.

In some embodiments embodiment, the environmental sensor is a microphonethat is configured to detect ambient acoustic conditions. The microphonemay can, optionally be integrated with the device and configured torecord audio signals or input over a sample time period. In someimplementations, the collected audio data is stored and further analyzedto compute or determine an ambient acoustic level. In some embodiments,the collected audio data is filtered and processed to remove audio inputthat may correlate to the user's voice. The audio data can, optionallyalso be processed to determine an average or representative acousticlevel over a given period of time. In some instances, the audio datafrom multiple sample time periods are used to compute or determine theacoustic level.

In some embodiments, the acoustic level is used to select an appropriatealert mode as the current alert mode, in accordance with operation 702.In one embodiment, the alert mode that is selected includes an audiocomponent that corresponds to the acoustic level determined using theenvironmental sensors. For example, if the acoustic level represents aloud or noisy ambient acoustic environmental condition, a first alertmode can, conditionally be selected as the current alert mode, the firstalert mode having an audio component with an elevated volume orintensity (as compared to other alert modes). Similarly, if the acousticlevel represents a condition that is less loud or noisy, a second alertmode can, conditionally be selected as the current alert mode, thesecond alert mode having an audio component with a volume or intensitythat is reduced with respect the audio component of the first alertmode. Additional alert modes may be similarly defined and selectedaccording to an audio component that may correspond to a detectedambient acoustic noise level.

In some implementations, the current alert mode includes or definesanother component that corresponds to the detected acoustic level. Insome embodiments, a third alert mode is selected as the current alertmode, the third alert mode having an haptic component that correspondsto the acoustic noise level. For example, the intensity or energy of thehaptic output may be stronger in accordance with a loud or noisyacoustic level. Similarly, a haptic output may have and intensity orenergy that is weaker or reduced in accordance with a quiet or lessnoisy acoustic level. In some implementations, an alert mode is selectedas having a visual component that corresponds to the detected acousticlevel. For example, the alert mode may include a visual component, suchas a beacon or strobe having an intensity or frequency that correspondsto the detected acoustic level. In some instances, one or morecomponents (audio, haptic, visual) are used in conjunction with anothercomponent to produce an appropriate level of stimulation to the user,depending on the environmental conditions.

In one example, a user is wearing a wearable electronic device, inaccordance with the embodiments described above with respect to FIG. 1A.In one scenario, the user and the device are subjected to a noisyenvironment, such as a gymnasium or workout room. In accordance withsome embodiments, the device detects the noisy environmental conditionusing the microphone, which is used to determine or compute an ambientsound level. In response to a high-ambient sound level, the deviceselects an alert mode having an audio component having an increasedvolume (example audio component) that corresponds to the high-ambientsound level. Additionally or alternatively, in some implementations thedevice selects an alert mode having an increased haptic vibration(example haptic component and/or visual strobe (example visualcomponent). The device then outputs an alert in accordance with theselected alert mode.

In some embodiments, the environmental sensor includes one or moremotion sensors that are configured to detect device motion and/or useractivity. The one or more motion sensors can, optionally be integratedor associated with the device and may be configured to record motionand/or activity over a sample time period. Example motion sensorsinclude, for example, an accelerometer, gyroscope, tilt sensor, and thelike, as discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1A-B. In someimplementations, the collected motion data is stored and furtheranalyzed to compute or determine an activity level. In some embodiments,the collected motion data is filtered and processed to determinediscrete number or movements (translational or rotational) over a givenperiod of time. In some cases, the number of movements is used tocompute or determine an activity level. Additionally or alternatively,the intensity of the movements over a period of time is used to computeor determine an activity level.

In some cases, the activity level corresponds to or represents theactivity of the user. Thus, a high activity level may represent anenvironmental condition in which the user may be exercising or movingrapidly. Similarly, a low activity level may represent an environmentalcondition in which the user is at rest or sedentary.

In some embodiments, the activity level is used to select an appropriatealert mode as the current alert mode, in accordance with operation 702.In one embodiment, the alert mode that is selected includes an audiocomponent that corresponds to the activity level determined using theenvironmental sensors. For example, if the activity level represents ahighly active environmental condition, a first alert mode may beselected as the current alert mode, the first alert mode having an audiocomponent with an elevated volume or intensity (as compared to otheralert modes). Similarly, if the activity level represents a conditionthat less active, a second alert mode may be selected as the currentalert mode, the second alert mode having an audio component with avolume or intensity that is reduced with respect the audio component ofthe first alert mode. Additional alert modes may be similarly definedand selected according to an audio component that may correspond to adetected activity level. As in the previous example, the alert mode thatis selected may have other components (e.g., haptic, visual) that alsocorrespond to the detected activity level.

In some embodiments, the environmental sensor includes one or moreoptical sensors that are configured to detect optical or lightingenvironmental conditions. The one or more optical sensors can,optionally be integrated with the device and configured to record lightquantity or lighting conditions over a sample time period. Exampleoptical sensors include, for example, an ALS, an image sensor, aproximity sensor, and the like, as discussed above with respect to FIGS.1A-B. In some implementation, the collected optical data is stored andfurther analyzed to compute or determine an ambient light level. In someembodiments, the collected optical data is filtered and processed todetermine an average amount of light over a given period of time, whichcan, conditionally be used to compute or determine ambient light level.Additionally or alternatively, the intensity of light received over aperiod of time can be used to compute or determine a light level.

In some cases, the light level corresponds to or represents the settingin which the device is being operated. For example, bright or a highlight level may represent an outdoor or public operating environment. Insome cases, bright environmental conditions indicate that an alert maybe more intense because the user is outdoors. Conversely, a low or dimlight level may correspond to or represent an environmental condition inwhich the user is indoors or more private operating environment. Forexample, a low light level may correspond to a user being located in amovie theater or presentation. In some cases, a low light level mayindicate that an alert should be less intense to avoid disrupting indooractivities.

In some embodiments, the light level is used to select an appropriatealert mode as the current alert mode, in accordance with operation 702.In one embodiment, the alert mode that is selected includes an audiocomponent that corresponds to the light level determined using theenvironmental sensors. For example, if the light level represents abrightly lit environmental condition, a first alert mode is selected asthe current alert mode, the first alert mode having an audio componentwith an elevated volume or intensity (as compared to other alert modes).Similarly, if the lighting level represents a condition that lessbright, a second alert mode is selected as the current alert mode, thesecond alert mode having an audio component with a volume or intensitythat is reduced with respect the audio component of the first alertmode. Additional alert modes can, conditionally be similarly definedand/or selected according to an audio component that may correspond to adetected activity level. As in the previous examples, the alert modethat is selected can, optionally have other components (e.g., haptic,visual) that also correspond to the detected light level.

In some embodiments, the environmental sensor includes a battery powersensor that is configured to detect a current battery level. In someimplementations, the battery power sensor includes a circuit integratedinto the device that is configured to measure an electrical property ofthe battery (e.g., voltage, current, impedance) that may be indicativeof the remaining battery power. Similar to the examples provided above,an alert mode can, conditionally be selected as the current alert modebased on a correspondence between the battery power level and one of thecomponents (audio, haptic, visual) of the alert.

In one specific example, based on the current battery level, the alertmode is selected based on the power that may be consumed during an alertoutput. For example, if the battery level is low (e.g., 5%, 10%, or 15%of total battery power), an alert mode is selected that uses less poweras compared to some other alert modes. One technique may be to eliminateor reduce the intensity of alert components that consume a large amountof energy. In some implementations, an alert mode having no hapticcomponent is be selected based on a low battery level. Additionally oralternatively, the output of the components is staggered or delayed insome alert modes in order to reduce peak power usage.

In accordance with each of the examples provided above, the alert modethat is selected can, optionally include a variety of componentcombinations. In various alert modes, a component can, optionally beeliminated. For example, a first alert mode includes a first hapticcomponent and a first visual component. A second alert mode includes asecond haptic component and no visual component. Additionally, one orboth of the components can, conditionally vary depending on the alertmode. In some embodiments, a first alert mode includes a first audiocomponent and a first haptic component, and a second alert mode includesa second audio component and second haptic component, where the firstaudio and first haptic component are different than the second audiocomponent and the second haptic component, respectively. Additionally,in some implementations, an alert mode only includes a visual component.For example, a first alert mode includes no audio component and nohaptic component, and only includes only a visual component such as anotification displayed on a display of the device.

Additionally, as previously discussed, in some implementations an alertmode includes two or more components that are staggered or offset by adelay. In some embodiments, a first alert mode includes a first audiocomponent and a first haptic component offset by a first delay. A secondalert mode includes the first audio component and the first hapticcomponent, but offset by a second delay that is different than the firstdelay. The difference in delay between the alert modes may depend, inpart, on the likelihood that the user will be able to perceive a hapticoutput given certain environmental conditions. In some implementations,the delay between components is increased based on the likelihood thatthe user is distracted or already receiving a high level of stimulation.In some implementations, the delay between alert components is increasedif the activity level and/or ambient acoustic levels are high. Inparticular, a haptic component can, conditionally proceed an acousticcomponent by a short offset. In some implementations, the hapticcomponent provides a priming stimulus that may increase the likelihoodthat the audio stimulus will be perceived by the user.

FIG. 7B depicts a process 710 for determining whether or not to respondto an event based on user activity according to one or more embodimentsof the present disclosure. When a level of user activity is high, it maybe difficult for a user to perceive an alert associated with an event.Additionally, even when an alert is perceived by a user engaged in heavyactivity, the user may not be as likely to respond to the alert untilthe activity is complete. Thus, in some implementations, it may beadvantageous to delay or forgo the output of an alert until the user hascompleted an activity or is at rest. The operations of process 710 maybe performed using, for example, the example devices described abovewith respect to FIGS. 1A-B.

In operation 711, an event is detected by the device. In someimplementations, the device detects the occurrence of an event by, forexample, receiving a notification or a message related to the event. Asin the previous example operation 701, in some implementations, thedevice receives a notification or message that the user has received anincoming e-mail message, text message, telephone call, voicemailmessage, and the like. In some implementations, an event is detected by,for example, receiving a notification or message from an application orprogram that is being executed on the device. As in the example providedabove, an event can, conditionally be triggered in relation to a widerange of activities or functions, including, satisfying personal healthgoal, reaching a geographic location, reaching a target heart rate,reaching an oxygenation level, or satisfaction of other criteria.

In operation 712, an activity level is determined. In someimplementations, one or more sensors is used to detect the motion of thedevice, which is used to determine an activity level. Similar to theexample provided above with respect to FIG. 7A, one or more motionsensors can, optionally be integrated into or associated with the deviceand may be configured to record motion and/or activity over a sampletime period. Example motion sensors include, for example, anaccelerometer, gyroscope, tilt sensor, and the like, as discussed abovewith respect to FIGS. 1A-B. In some implementations, the collectedmotion data is stored and further analyzed to compute or determine anactivity level. In some embodiments, the collected motion data isfiltered and processed to determine discrete number or movements(translational or rotational) over a given period of time. In somecases, the number of movements is used to compute or determine anactivity level. Additionally or alternatively, the intensity of themovements over a period of time is used to compute or determine anactivity level. As discussed in the earlier example, the activity levelmay correspond to or represent the activity of the user. Thus, a highactivity level may represent an environmental condition in which theuser may be exercising or moving rapidly. Similarly, a low activitylevel may represent an environmental condition in which the user is atrest or sedentary.

In operation, 713, a determination is made with regard to the activitylevel exceeding a threshold. The threshold may correspond to the methodused to determine the activity level in operation 712. For example, ifthe activity level is based on the number of motion events over a periodof time, the threshold may similarly represent a threshold number ofmotion events over a similar period of time. If the activity level isbased in part, on the intensity of the activity, the threshold may alsorepresent a threshold level that is based, at least in part, on theintensity of the activity. In some cases, the threshold is customizedbased on an average level of user activity or device motion. Forexample, if a user is more active, then the threshold can, optionally beset higher than a user that is less active.

In operation 714, in accordance with a determination that an activitylevel exceeds a threshold, the outputting of an alert is forgone ordelayed. In some implementations, if the activity level is high, theoutput of an alert is delayed until a later time when the activity levelmay be lower. For example, the activity level can, optionally beperiodically determined or checked over a predetermined time period. Insome instances, the output of the alert is further delayed or forgone aslong as the activity level exceeds a low-activity threshold, which can,optionally be the same or different than the original threshold.

In operation 715, in accordance with a determination that the activitylevel does not exceed the threshold, the alert is output. In someimplementations, the output is provided in accordance with one or moreof the other examples provided herein. For example, the alert that isprovided can, optionally include one or more alert components (audio,haptic, visual) that correspond to the environmental conditionsassociated with the device. Additionally, the alert that is output can,optionally be a fixed alert that is not dependent on one or moreenvironmental conditions.

In some cases, the output of the alert is forgone or delayed until asubsequent criteria is satisfied. As previously mentioned, in someimplementations, the output is forgone or delayed until the activitylevel drops below a low-activity threshold, which can, optionally be thesame or different than the original threshold. Additionally, in someimplementations, the output is forgone or delayed until a predeterminedtime period has passed since the first time the output of the alert wasforgone. For example, the device can be configured to wait until anactivity level drops below a threshold, and if the level does not dropover the predetermined period of time, the alert is output anyway.

In some embodiments, if multiple alert outputs that are associated withmultiple events have been forgone due to a high activity level, thealerts are combined into a single alert when a determination iseventually made to output an alert. For example, if multiple eventsoccur during a period of high activity, the user will be notified by asingle (combined) alert that represents all of the alerts that wereforgone during the period of high activity.

One example implementation of process 710 includes user activityassociated with an exercise or workout routine. In this scenario, thedevice receives or detects one or more events associated with one ormore physiological conditions while the user is performing an exercise.When the user is at rest, due to a break between exercise sets or whenthe workout is complete, the device, in some implementations,automatically detects the reduced activity and outputs the one or morealerts associated with the events that occurred during the exercise. Inanother example, one or more alerts are delayed or forgone while a useris typing or performing another activity that introduces high-frequencymovement near the device. The delayed or forgone alert output mayincrease the user's perception of, for example, a haptic componentoutput that may be masked by the high-frequency movement. In anotherexample, decision to forgo the alert is also based on otherenvironmental conditions. For example, the output of an alert, in someimplementations, is forgone or delayed while a user is walking in a busyor loud environment. When the user stops walking, at for example, atraffic light, the device automatically outputs the previously forgonealert.

FIG. 7C depicts a process 720 for determining whether or not to respondto an event based on a number of events according to one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure. In some cases, it may beadvantageous to group or batch together multiple alerts that areassociated with multiple events may be related or that may occur over ashort period of time. In some embodiments, a series of closely occurringevents may result in a single, batched alert instead of triggering aseries of individual alerts for each event. A combined or batched alertmay be useful, for example, when a large number of event occur over aperiod of time, or when the time between events is very small. Inanother example, it may be determined that two or more events may berelated and, thus only a single alert is warranted. In these cases,producing a single alert may be more effective in capturing the user'sattention and may prevent alert fatigue, as discussed previously. Theoperations of process 720 may be performed using, for example, theexample devices described above with respect to FIGS. 1A-B.

In operation 721, an event is detected. In some implementations, thedevice detects the occurrence of an event by, for example, receiving anotification or a message related to the event or receiving anotification or message from an application or program that is beingexecuted on the device. As in the previous examples, in someimplementations, the device receives a notification or message that theuser has received an incoming e-mail message, text message, telephonecall, voicemail message, and the like. As in the examples providedabove, an event can, conditionally be triggered in relation to a widerange of activities or functions, including, satisfying personal healthgoal, reaching a geographic location, reaching a target heart rate,reaching an oxygenation level, or satisfaction of other criteria.

In operation 722, the number of events is determined. In someembodiments, the device is configured to wait a predetermined period oftime after detecting an event. In some implementations, the number ofevents (requiring an alert output) that occur over the predeterminedamount of time are be used to compute the number of events for operation722. In some implementations, the device is configured to detect andcount the number of events received over a predetermined, regularlyrepeating time period. Thus, in some cases, the number of eventsincludes one or more events that occurred prior to the event detected inoperation 721. A variety of other techniques can, optionally be used todetermine the number of events that are received by the device over aperiod of time.

With regard to operation 722, in some implementations, the number ofevents that are determined depends on the type of event that occurred, aperson associated with the event, and/or the content associated with theevent. For example, in some implementations only text messages arecounted pursuant to operation 722. Similarly, in some implementations,only events associated with communications (e.g., e-mail, text messages,telephone calls) are counted pursuant to operation 722. Additionally oralternatively, in some implementations, only events that are associatedwith the same sender or group of senders are counted for operation 722.Similarly, in some implementations, events that share similar content orsubject matter are counted for operation 722.

In operation 723, a determination is made whether the number of eventsexceeds a threshold. In some instances, the threshold is a fixedthreshold that is determined by the device or device settings. In someinstances, the threshold is configurable by the user. In operation 725,in accordance with a determination that the number of events that havebeen detected over the predetermined period does not exceed thethreshold, the output of the alert is forgone.

In operation 724, in accordance with a determination that a number ofevents that have been detected over a predetermined period exceeds athreshold, an alert is output. In some cases, if a previous alertassociated with a previous event has been forgone, the alert that isoutput is based, at least in part, on the previously occurring event. Insome cases, the alert includes information indicative of the event andone or more prior events occurring prior to the event. In someimplementations, the alert includes a visual component that includes, alist of the subject lines or senders for one or more e-mail messagesthat were received during the predefined time period.

With respect to operation 724, in some implementations, the alertincludes an indication of the number of events that have been batched orcombined in the alert output. In some implementations, the strength ofthe alert (e.g., intensity of the audio or haptic component) is based onthe number of events that have forgone alerts. For example, the moreevents that have been combined into a single alert may result in a moreprolonged or intense alert output. Additionally, in someimplementations, the strength of the alert output is based, in part, onthe frequency and/or type of events that have had an alert forgone.

In some embodiments of process 720, events of different types arebatched together. For example, if the threshold is 3 messages in 2minutes, receiving an email, an SMS message and a phone call within 2minutes will trigger an alert. In some embodiments, events of differenttypes of events are batched together. For example, if the threshold is 3messages in 2 minutes, receiving an email, an SMS message and a phonecall within 2 minutes will not trigger an alert, while receiving 3emails within 2 minutes will trigger an alert. In accordance with thedescription of process 720, a variety of events and criteria may becounted and used to forgo and/or eventually output an alert.

FIG. 7D depicts a process 730 for outputting a modified alert sequenceaccording to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In someimplementations, an alert is configured to escalate by producing astimulus or output that increases in intensity over time. In some cases,the escalation sequence or progression of the alert is interrupted andmodified as a result of a user interaction with the device. In somecases, an interaction from the user may indicate that the user'sattention is already focused on the device and that further escalationof the alert sequence may not be necessary. In some embodiments, anescalating alert sequence is output by the device until receiving aninput or an interaction from the user. In some embodiments, the devicedetects passive interaction, such detecting or estimating when a user isreading content on the display. The operations of process 730 may beperformed using, for example, the example devices described above withrespect to FIGS. 1A-B.

In operation 731, a portion of an alert sequence is output using thedevice. In some cases, the alert sequence includes predeterminedsequence of alert outputs that escalate in intensity over time. In someembodiments, each of the alert outputs includes one or more alertcomponents (audio, haptic, visual) that increase in intensity over time.Additionally or alternatively, in some implementations, the alertescalates by adding components to subsequent outputs to increase theoverall intensity of the alert. In some embodiments, a first outputincludes only a haptic component, a second output includes a haptic andaudio component, and a third or subsequent output includes a haptic,audio, and visual component.

With regard to operation 731, in some implementations, the alertsequence corresponds to the occurrence of a single event. In someimplementations, the alert sequence corresponds to the receipt of amessage or other communication. The alert sequence can, optionally alsocorrespond to an upcoming calendar event, a timing notification, orother type of reminder. The alert sequence can, optionally alsocorrespond to a series of activity monitor alerts that provide feedbackwith regard to the progress of the user toward meeting a fitness goal,such as completing a workout routine.

In operation 732, an interaction with the user is detected. In order toaffect the alert, the interaction with the user is, optionally detectedwhile the portion of the alert sequence is being output. As mentionedpreviously, the interaction with the user may include an active and/orpassive interaction. In some implementations, a user interactionindicates that the user is already be paying attention to the device andmay not need or want an alert to continue to escalate. In someimplementations, a user interaction is interpreted as a request tomodify the alert sequence to either increase or decrease theintrusiveness of the alert.

With reference to FIG. 5, the user 210 may actively interact with thedevice by, for example, contacting a touch-sensitive surface of thedevice 100. In particular, the user may actively interact with thedevice by selecting an item displayed on a touch-sensitive display ofthe device 100. The user 210 may also actively interact with the deviceby pressing a button, turning a knob, or by providing some other form ofuser input. In some embodiments, the user may speak a voice command,which may detected by the microphone of the device and interpreted asuser input.

Additionally or alternatively, in some implementations, the device isconfigured to detect passive interaction with the user. With referenceagain to FIG. 5, the device 100 can be configured to use one or moresensors to determine or estimate if the user is looking at the display,and therefore, at least passively interacting with the device. In someimplementations, passive interaction is detected, for example, using oneor more optical sensors to detect the position and movement of theuser's head. In some cases, the one or more optical sensors areconfigured to sense the location and movement of the user's eye, whichmay be consistent with the user 210 reading or viewing the display ofthe device 100. In some implementations, the device is configured todetect the user's grip on the device, which may also indicate that theuser is currently viewing or interacting with the device.

Returning to FIG. 7D, in operation 733, a modified alert sequence isselected and output in response to the interaction with the user. Inparticular, in some implementations, the original alert sequence outputin operation 731 is paused or terminated and a new, modified alertsequence is output instead. In some cases, the modified alert sequenceis a continuation of the original alert sequence, but is modified inintensity or intrusiveness. For example, if the original alert sequenceincludes a series of 10 outputs and the user interaction is detected onthe 6th output, the modified alert sequence includes 4 outputs, whichreplace the 4 remaining outputs of the original series of 10.

With regard to operation 733, in some implementations, the modifiedalert sequence is a non-escalating alert sequence. In some instances,the modified alert sequence includes a series of outputs that do notincrease in intensity over time. In some cases, the modified alertsequence includes a series of outputs that decrease in intensity overtime. In some instances, the modified alert sequence is a silent alertsequence. In some instances, the modified alert sequence produces only avisual component in response to the interaction with the user.

In some embodiments, process 730 is used to increase or decrease theintrusiveness of an alert sequence. In some implementations, the userinteraction of operation 732 includes an input that is a request toreduce the intrusiveness of the portion of the alert sequence output inoperation 731. In some implementations, the request to reduce theintrusiveness is input via the touch-sensitive display of the device andresults in the output of a modified alert sequence that is lessintrusive. In some instances, a less intrusive output includes an outputhaving an audio component that is reduced in volume and/or a hapticcomponent having a shorter or lower energy output. In someimplementations, the user interaction of operation 732 includes an inputthat is a request to increase the intrusiveness of the portion of thealert sequence output in operation 731. In some instances, a user inputresults in a modified alert sequence having an increased intrusiveness.An output having an increased level of intrusiveness can, optionallyinclude, for example, an audio component having increased volume and/ora haptic component having an increased duration or energy output.

In one example, a user receives an alert sequence triggered by an eventassociated with the user meeting a health-related goal. For example, thealert sequence may be produced in response to the user reaching a targetheart rate, as detected by a heart-rate monitor. In some instances, thealert sequence escalates or increases in intensity until the userinteracts with the device by, for example, shaking the device, which isperceived by one or more motion sensors integrated with the device.Additionally or alternatively, the user interacts with the device bytouching the touch screen, pushing a button, or turning a knob. Inresponse to the user interaction, the alert sequence is interrupted anda modified alert sequence is output. In some implementations, themodified alert sequence is a non-escalating sequence, such as a sequenceof audio beeps. In some implementations, the modified alert sequencecontinues as long as the user maintains the target heart rate or anotherevent triggers another alert.

FIG. 7E depicts a process 740 for determining an output device accordingto one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In some scenarios,multiple devices are proximate to a user when an event is detected. Itmay be undesirable for each of the devices to output an alert inresponse to the same event. Thus, in some cases, it may be advantageousto select one device to output the alert. The operations of process 740may be performed using, for example, the example devices described abovewith respect to FIGS. 1A-B and 3.

In operation 741, an event is detected. In some implementations, thedevice detects the occurrence of an event by, for example, receiving anotification or a message related to the event or receiving anotification or message from an application or program that is beingexecuted on the device. As in the previous examples, in someimplementations, the device receives a notification or message that theuser has received an incoming e-mail message, text message, telephonecall, voicemail message, and the like. As in the examples providedabove, an event can, optionally be triggered in relation to a wide rangeof activities or functions, including, satisfying personal health goal,reaching a geographic location, reaching a target heart rate, reachingan oxygenation level, or satisfaction of other criteria.

In operation 742, a determination that a second device is in proximityto the first device is made. In some cases, the determination is made inresponse to detecting the event. In one embodiment, the first device isa wearable electronic device 100 and the second device is a mobiletelephone 130, as depicted in FIG. 3. In some embodiments, one or moreof another type of device, such as a notebook computer, a desktopcomputer, a tablet device, a personal media player device, a televisiondevice, or the like are in proximity to the user. In someimplementations, a third device, a fourth device, and other additionaldevices are also detected in accordance with operation 742.

With regard to operation 742, in some implementations, a second device(or other additional device) are detected using, for example, a wirelesscommunication signal or beacon. In some embodiments, the first andsecond device have been previously paired using, for example, aBluetooth communication scheme. In some cases, the second device (orother additional device) is detected using an automatic detect andconnect process as part of the Bluetooth connection routine. In someimplementations, the second device is detected using a beacon orintermittent broadcast signal that is transmitted from the first device.In some implementations, the second device is detected as beingconnected to a common wireless communication node. For example, thesecond device can, selectively be detected due to a shared WiFiconnection with the first device. Alternatively or additionally, one orboth of the devices may include location determining software and/orhardware (e.g., global positioning system (GPS), base-stationtriangulation) that is used to determine if the second device isproximate to the first device.

In operation 743, in accordance with the a determination that more thanone device is present, an alert-output device is selected. In someimplementations, if there are more than two devices in proximity, thealert-output device is selected from a group of three or more devices.As described above, the devices may include a wearable electronicdevice, a mobile telephone, a notebook computer, a desktop computer, atablet device, a personal media player device, a television device, orthe like.

With regard to operation 743, in some implementations the selection ofthe alert-output device is performed in accordance with a number ofdifferent techniques. In some embodiments the alert-output device isselected based on a user-provided prioritization. For example, the usermay provide or designate an ordered priority of multiple devices thatmay be used to select an appropriate alert-output device.

In some implementations, the alert-output device is selected based on ausage of one or more of the devices that are in proximity to each other.In some embodiments, the usage includes a time of usage. In some cases,a device that has a time of usage that is most recent is selected as thealert-output device. In some implementations, a time of usage is onlyused if the most recent time is within a threshold (e.g., the data isnot too old to be relevant). In some implementations, the usage includesboth a time of usage and an amount of usage. In some implementations,the device having an amount of usage that is greater over apredetermined time period is selected as the alert-output device. Insome implementations, the usage includes a type of usage. In someimplementations, a device having a usage that corresponds to apredetermined usage type is selected as the alert-output device. In someimplementations, if the device is being used in accordance with acommunications program (e.g., an e-mail program, a text messagingprogram), the device is selected as the alert-output device.

In operation 745, if an alert-output device is selected, the alert isoutput on the alert-output device. In some instances, the alert isoutput in accordance with one or more other aspects of the presentdisclosure. In some instances, the alert output includes one or morecomponents (audio, haptic, visual) that correspond to one or moreenvironmental conditions. In some cases, the alert output is fixed orselected by the user.

With regard to operation 745, in some embodiments, only the alert-outputdevice outputs the alert associated with a particular event. Forexample, no other device that has been determined to be proximate to theuser outputs an alert associated with the event. In some embodiments alldevices that are determined to be proximate to the user are updated inresponse to the event, but only the alert-output device outputs analert. For example, an email or message may be loaded or delivered toall of the devices, but the alert associated with the reception of thee-mail is only output on, for example, a wearable electronic device wornby the user. In some cases, the user may perceive the alert on thewearable device and then check the message on a phone, laptop, ortablet.

With regard to operation 745, in some cases, the alert is relayed to thealert-output device using a device that is not selected as alert-outputdevice. For example, with reference to FIG. 3, a notification of anincoming message may be received by a user's mobile telephone 130. Ifthe user's wearable electronic device 100 is selected as thealert-output device, the mobile telephone 130 may relay the notificationto the wearable device 100 in order to trigger an alert output.Alternatively, the mobile telephone 130 may generate a portion of thealert, which may be relayed and output using the wearable device 100. Insome cases, if no interaction with the alert-output device is detectedfor a predetermined time after the alert is sent, a subsequent alert isoutput using one or more of the other devices that were not selected asan alert-output device.

In operation 744, in accordance with a determination that there is notanother device present, the alert is output on the first device. Inparticular, if there are no other devices proximate to the user (ordetermined to be proximate to the user), the alert is output on thedevice that detected the event.

In one specific example depicted in FIG. 3, the user wearing a wearableelectronic device 100 and has a mobile telephone 130 placed in a pocket.In one scenario, the user receives an e-mail, which triggers an eventthat is detected by the mobile telephone 130. In some implementations,the mobile telephone 130 detects or has detected the proximity of thewearable electronic device 100 by, for example, having previously beenpaired using a Bluetooth or other wireless connection. In someimplementations, the mobile telephone 130 has been in a dormant statefor a period of time due to the placement in the user's pocket. Due tothe low or non-usage of the mobile telephone 130, the wearableelectronic device 100 is selected as the alert-output device. In thisscenario, the alert associated with the incoming e-mail is relayed toand output on the wearable electronic device 100.

FIG. 7F depicts a process 750 for producing an audio and haptic feedbackin response to a user input according to one or more embodiments of thepresent disclosure. In some implementations, the device is configured toproduce a stimulus that may provide feedback for a user-action or inputto the device. As previously mentioned, a stimulus or feedback may beuseful for some user input components, such as electronic sensors, thatmay have few or no moving parts to provide feedback to the user that aninput is being received. For example, an audio and haptic component maybe output in response to a user's interaction with a touch screen orinteraction with a rotational dial or button on the device. In somecases, the stimulus may be adapted to mimic a sound or haptic responsethat the user may associate with a more traditional mechanical device.The operations of process 750 may be performed using, for example, theexample devices described above with respect to FIGS. 1A-B and 5.

In operation 751, a first input is received on the device. In someimplementations, the first input is received via, for example,touch-sensitive surface of the device, a crown or dial, or some otheruser input device. With reference to FIG. 5, in some case, a user inputis received as a translational panning or scrolling input 615 on thetouch-sensitive surface of the display 110. In some implementations, theuser input is received as a rotational input 612 provided using thecrown 610 of the device 100.

Returning to FIG. 7F, with respect to operation 751, in some cases thefirst input is below an input threshold. For example, the speed or rateof the first input may be slower than a threshold. With respect to aninput on a touch-sensitive surface, the movement of the touch may bebelow a threshold rate. Similarly, with respect to an input via a crownor dial, the speed of the rotation may be below a threshold rate.

In operation 752, in response to detecting the first input, a firstoutput is produced. In some embodiments, the first output includes ahaptic component for the first input that is coordinated with an audiocomponent for the first input. In some cases, the haptic component is atap or bump created by a haptic actuator integrated with the device. Insome instances, the audio component include sa beep or click thatcorresponds with the tap or bump created by the haptic actuator. In someimplementations, the haptic component is synchronized with the audiocomponent. In some instances, the haptic component has an output that issimultaneous to or at a fixed timing relationship with respect to theoutput of the audio component.

With regard to operation 752, the first output corresponds to the rateor speed of the first input. In some implementations, when a userscrolls through a list of items using a touch screen, a haptic tap andan audio beep or click corresponds to the progression through the listcaused by the first input. As previously mentioned, this may be morereadily perceived by the user or more satisfying than, for example, thevisual scrolling of the items alone. In some implementations, a userprovides a rotational input via, for example the crown 160 or knob ofthe device depicted in FIG. 5. In this case, a haptic tap and an audioclick can, optionally be output for every, for example, 5 degrees ofrotation of the crown or knob. In this way, the user receives feedbackon the speed that the input is being received by the device.

In operation 753, a second input is received on the device. Similar tooperation 751, in some implementations, the second input is received viaa touch-sensitive surface, crown, or other input device. In the presentexample, the second input is provided via the same input device as thefirst input of operation 751. In some implementations, the second inputoccurs immediately after the first input or, alternatively, the secondinput occurs after a delay.

In operation 754, a determination is made with regard to the secondinput. In particular, a determination is made regarding whether thesecond input is above or below an input threshold. In someimplementations, the input threshold is set or determined based, inpart, on the limitations of the hardware used to provide the feedbackoutput. In some implementations, a haptic actuator has a minimumresponse time that is an inherent property or physical limitation of thehaptic actuator mechanism, which typically includes a moving mass. Anexample haptic actuator is described in more detail below with respectto FIG. 11. In some embodiments, the minimum response is due to the timeit takes to initiate movement of the mass, produce a haptic output, andstop movement of the mass. If a series of haptic outputs has an outputrate that exceeds the minimum response time, the actuator may not beable to recover from a previous output before sending out the nextoutput in the series. Thus, in some embodiments there is an upper limiton the rate at which the haptic actuator can provide a series ofdistinct outputs. In some cases, input threshold of operation 754 isdetermined, at least in part, based on the upper limit of the hapticactuator.

In operation 755, in accordance with a determination that the secondinput is below the input threshold, the output is similar to the outputproduced for operation 752. In some implementations, the second inputoutput includes a haptic component for the second input that iscoordinated with an audio component for the second input. Similar to theprevious example, in some implementations, the haptic component issynchronized with the audio component. In some implementations, thehaptic component has an output that is simultaneous to or at a fixedtiming relationship with respect to the output of the audio component.

In operation 756, in accordance with a determination that the secondinput is above the input threshold, the second output includes amodified haptic component for the second input. In some instances, if itis determined that the rate or speed of the input may exceed thecapabilities of the haptic actuator, the output is modified. In someembodiments, if the second input is above the input threshold, thehaptic component for the second input is asynchronous with respect tothe audio component for the second input. In some embodiments, theasynchronous haptic output is a continuous haptic output. In someinstances, the second output includes a continuous haptic output butmaintain a distinct audio “click” output that corresponds to an amountof input that is provided. In some cases, the continuous haptic outputincludes inflection points or periods of varying intensity. In someimplementations, the inflection points may of the haptic output are notbe synchronized with the audio output.

FIG. 8 depicts a block diagram illustrating exemplary components, suchas, for example, hardware components of an electronic device 800according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Incertain embodiments, the electronic device 800 is similar to thewearable electronic device 100 described above with respect to FIG. 1Aor the electronic device 130 described above with respect to FIG. 1B.Although various components of the device 800 are shown, connections andcommunication channels between each of the components are omitted forsimplicity.

In a basic configuration, the electronic device 800 may include at leastone processor 805 and an associated memory 810. In some embodiments, thememory 810 comprises, but is not limited to, volatile storage such asrandom access memory, non-volatile storage such as read-only memory,flash memory, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, thememory includes removable and non-removable memory components,including, for example, magnetic disks, optical disks, or tape. In someembodiments, the memory 810 stores an operating system 812 and one ormore program modules 814 suitable for running software applications 816.The operating system 812 can be configured to control the electronicdevice 800 and/or one or more software applications 816 being executedby the operating system 812. In certain embodiments, various programmodules and data files are stored in the system memory 810. The programmodules 814 and the processor 805 can be configured to perform processesthat include one or more of the operations of methods shown anddescribed with respect to FIGS. 7A-F.

The electronic device 800 also includes communication connections 808that facilitate communications with additional computing devices 806. Insome implementations, the communication connections 808 include aradio-frequency (RF) transmitter, a receiver, and/or transceivercircuitry, universal serial bus (USB) communications, parallel portsand/or serial ports.

As used herein, the term computer readable media can, optionally includecomputer storage media. Computer storage media can, optionally includevolatile and nonvolatile media and/or removable and non-removable mediaimplemented in any method or technology for the storage of information.Examples include computer-readable instructions, data structures, orprogram modules. The memory 810, which can, optionally include theremovable and non-removable storage devices, is one example of computerstorage media. Computer storage media can, optionally include RAM, ROM,electrically erasable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or othermemory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or otheroptical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic diskstorage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other article ofmanufacture which can be used to store information and which can beaccessed by the electronic device 800. Any such computer storage mediacan, optionally be part of the electronic device 800.

FIG. 9 depicts additional aspects of the electronic device 800 accordingto one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a blockdiagram illustrating the architecture of an electronic device such aselectronic device 100 shown and described with respect to FIG. 1A orelectronic device 130 shown and described with respect to FIG. 1B.

As shown in FIG. 9, multiple components are operably connected to theprocessor 805 and the memory 810 of the device 800. In particular, oneor input components are coupled to the processor 805. In someembodiments, a touch-sensitive device 820, such as a touch sensor ortouch screen is integrated with a surface of the device. In someembodiments, the touch sensor or touch screen includes a capacitivesensor that is configured to detect the location of one or more toucheson the surface of the device. Additionally or alternatively, in someembodiments, the device includes a force sensor that is configured todetect and measure the force of a touch on a device.

In the present embodiment, the device 800 includes one or more buttons822 and knobs 824 that are configured to accept user input. Additionaluser input can, optionally be provided via a keyboard, mouse, pen orstylus, sound input device, and the like. With reference to the exampledescribed above with respect to FIG. 6, the knob 824 can include a crownof a portable electronic device. In some embodiments, the knob 834 orcrown is operatively coupled to a position sensor, such as an opticalencoder, that is configured to produce an output in response to arotational input. A more detailed description of a knob/crown having aposition sensor is described below with respect to FIG. 12.

In some embodiments, other input to the device 800 is provided by one ormore sensors 830. As previously described with respect to FIGS. 1A-B, anexample device includes one or more environmental sensors that areconfigured to monitor and detect one or more environmental conditions.Example sensors 830 include motion sensors, including accelerometers,gyroscopes, tilt sensors, and the like. In some embodiments, the sensors830 also include one or more optical sensors, including, an imagesensor, ALS sensor, proximity sensor, and the like. In some embodiments,the sensors 830 also include a microphone or other audio sensing device.

In some embodiments, the device 800 includes one or more devices orcomponents for providing output to the user. As shown in FIG. 9, thedevice includes a display 840 for presenting visual information oroutput to the user. In some embodiments, the display 840 is formed froma liquid crystal display (LCD), organic light emitting diode (OLED)display, organic electroluminescence (OEL) display, or other type ofdisplay device. In some embodiments, the device 800 includes a visualindicator 842, such as a beacon or strobe light, that is configured toprovide additional visual output to the user.

In the example of FIG. 9, the device 800 includes a speaker 844 or otheracoustic component. The speaker 844 can be used to produce an audiooutput in accordance with some aspects of the disclosure. An examplespeaker component is described below with respect to FIG. 10. In theexample of FIG. 9, the device 800 also includes a haptic actuator 846that is configured to produce a haptic output in accordance with someaspects of the disclosure. An example haptic actuator is described belowwith respect to FIGS. 11A-B.

In one or more embodiments, data and information generated or capturedby the electronic device 800 is stored locally. Additionally oralternatively, the data can be stored on any number of storage mediathat can, optionally be accessed by the electronic device 800 using thecommunications connection (808 in FIG. 8), a wired connection or awireless connection between the electronic device 800 and a remotecomputing device 806. Additionally, data and information can be readilytransferred between computing devices.

FIG. 10 depicts an example acoustic module in accordance with someembodiments. As described above, in some embodiments, the deviceincludes one or more devices for transmitting acoustic energy. Inparticular, embodiments of the device include a speaker for transmittingacoustic energy. FIG. 10 depicts a simplified schematic cross-sectionalview of a first embodiment of a device having an speaker 1000. Therepresentation depicted in FIG. 10 is not drawn to scale and does notinclude all elements of every embodiment of a speaker. The speaker 1000is representative of speakers or acoustic elements described withrespect to one or more embodiments described herein.

In the example depicted in FIG. 10, the speaker 1000 includes variouscomponents for producing and transmitting sound, including a diaphragm1010, a voice coil 1009, a center magnet 1008, and side magnets/coils1007. In one implementation, the diaphragm 1010 is configured to producesound waves or an acoustic signal in response to a stimulus signal inthe center magnet 1008. For example, a modulated stimulus signal in thecenter magnet 1008 causes movement of the voice coil 1009, which iscoupled to the diaphragm 1010. Movement of the diaphragm 1010 createsthe sound waves, which propagate through the acoustic cavity 1011 ofacoustic module 106 and eventually out the acoustic port 1020 to aregion external to the device. In some cases, the acoustic cavity 1011functions as an acoustical resonator having a shape and size that isconfigured to amplify and/or dampen sound waves produced by movement ofthe diaphragm 1010.

As shown in FIG. 10, the speaker 1000 also includes a yoke 1014, support1013, connector element 1012, and a cavity wall 1013. These elementsprovide the physical support of the speaker elements. Additionally, theconnector element 1012 and the cavity wall 1013 together form at leastpart of the acoustic cavity 1011. The specific structural configurationof FIG. 10 is not intended to be limiting. For example, in alternativeembodiments, the acoustic cavity can, optionally be formed fromadditional components or can, optionally be formed from a singlecomponent.

The speaker 1000 depicted in FIG. 10 is provided as one example of atype of speaker or acoustic module. In some implementations, the speakerincludes different configurations for producing and transmitting sound,including, for example, a vibrating membrane, piezoelectric transducer,vibrating ribbon, or the like. In some implementations, the acousticmodule is a microphone acoustic module having one or more elements forconverting acoustic energy into an electrical impulse. For example, theacoustic module can, optionally alternatively include a piezoelectricmicrophone element for producing a charge in response to acoustic energyor sound.

As shown in FIG. 10, an acoustic port 1020 is formed in the case 1021 ofthe electronic device. In the present example, the acoustic port 1020includes a first and second orifice 1031, 1032 that are formed in thecase 1021 and acoustically couple the acoustic cavity 1011 of thespeaker 1000 to the external environment (external to the electronicdevice). In the present embodiment, the first and second orifices 1031,1032 are offset with respect to the opening of the acoustic cavity 1011.This configuration may help reduce the direct ingress of liquid 1001into acoustic cavity 1011 of the speaker 1000. Also, as shown in FIG. 10a shield 1021 or umbrella structure that is formed between the orifices1031, 1032 blocks the direct ingress of fluid 1001 into the acousticcavity 1011. As shown in FIG. 10, the speaker 1000 also includes ascreen element 1015 disposed at one end of the acoustic cavity 1011,which may also prevent the ingress of liquid or other foreign debrisinto the acoustic cavity 1011.

FIGS. 11A-B depict an example haptic actuator in accordance with someembodiments. As described above, some embodiments of the device includesone or more haptic modules for providing haptic feedback to the user. Insome embodiments, a haptic device is configured to produce a mechanicalmovement or vibration that is transmitted through the case and/or othercomponent of the device. In some cases, the movement or vibration istransmitted to the skin of the user and perceived as a stimulus orhaptic feedback by the user.

The space constraints associated with a wrist-worn device may presentunique challenges to integrating a haptic mechanism into wearableelectronics. In particular, a haptic mechanism may use a moving massused to create the movement or vibration of the haptic output. Thelarger the mass that is moved, the easier it may be to create aperceivable stimulus using the haptic mechanism. However, a large movingmass and the supporting mechanism may be difficult to integrate into thecompact space of, for example, the case of a wearable electronicwristwatch device. FIGS. 11A-B depict one example haptic mechanismsuitable for use in a wearable electronic device. While the embodimentdescribed with respect to FIGS. 11A-B is provided as one example, thehaptic module is not limited to this particular configuration.

FIG. 11A depicts a three-quarters perspective view of the of a hapticmodule 1100, with a top, front and left sidewall of the case 1120removed to expose internal components. FIG. 11B depicts across-sectional perspective view of the haptic module 1100 cut in halfto expose the internal components. In this example, a coil 1101 is usedto induce movement of a frame 1160, which houses a central magnet array1110. As shown in FIGS. 11A-B, the movement of the frame 1160 is guidedby a shaft 1150 that is fixed with respect to a case 1120.

In the present example, the coil 1101 is energized by transmitting acurrent (e.g., from the battery) along a length of a wire that forms thecoil 1101. A direction of the current along the wire of the coil 1101determines a direction of a magnetic field that emanates from the coil1101. In turn, the direction of the magnetic field determines adirection of movement of the frame 1160 housing the central magnet array1110. One or more springs can, optionally bias the frame 1160 towardsthe middle region of the travel. In this example, the frame 1160 andcentral magnet array 1110, through operation of the coil 1101 functionas a moving mass, which generates a tap or vibration. The output of thehaptic module 1100, created by the moving mass of the frame 1160 andcentral magnet array 1110, may be perceived as a haptic feedback orstimulus to the user wearing the device.

For example, when the coil 1101 is energized, the coil 1101 generates amagnetic field. The opposing polarities of the magnets in the magnetarray 1110 generates a radial magnetic field that interacts with themagnetic field of the coil 1101. The Lorentz force resulting from theinteraction of the magnetic fields causes the frame 1160 to move alongthe shaft 1150 in a first direction. Reversing current flow through thecoil 1101 reverses the Lorentz force. As a result, the magnetic field orforce on the central magnet array 1110 is also reversed and the frame1160 moves in a second direction. Thus, frame 1160 can, optionally movein both directions along the shaft 1150, depending on the direction ofcurrent flow through the coil.

As shown in FIG. 11A, the coil 1101 encircles the central magnet array1110, which is disposed near the center of the frame 1160. As previouslydescribed, the coil 1101 can, selectively be energized by transmitting acurrent along the length of the wire forming the coil 1101 and thedirection of the current flow determines the direction of the magneticflux emanating from the coil 1101 in response to the current. Passing analternating current through the coil 1101 causes the central magnetarray 1110 (and frame 1160) to move back and forth along a shaft 1150.In order to prevent the central magnet array 1110 from being attractedto the shaft 1150, which could increase friction between the two andthereby increase the force necessary to move the central magnet array1110 and frame 1160, the shaft 1150 can, optionally be formed from anon-ferritic material such as tungsten, titanium, stainless steel, orthe like.

As depicted in FIGS. 11A-B, the coil 1101 is positioned within a frame1160 that holds the central magnet array 1110, but is not affixed to thecoil 1101. Rather, an air gap separates the coil 1101 from the centralmagnet array 1110 and the frame 1160 is free to move with respect to thecoil 1101, which is generally stationary. Further, the frame 1160generally moves with the central magnet array 1110. As illustrated inFIG. 11A-B, the frame 1160 has an aperture formed therein of sufficientsize to contain the coil 1101. Even when the frame and central magnetarray are maximally displaced within the case 1120 (e.g., to one end orthe other of the shaft 1150), the coil 1101 does not contact any portionof the frame 1160. In the present embodiment, the coil 1101 remainsstationary in the case 1120 while the frame 1160 and central magnetarray 1110 move, although in other embodiments the coil 1101 movesinstead of, or in addition to, the frame and/or central magnet array.

As shown in FIGS. 11A-B, the central magnet array 1110 is formed from atleast two magnets 1111, 1112 of opposing polarities. A center interface1170 can, optionally be formed from a ferritic or non-ferritic material,depending on the embodiment. A ferritic material for the centerinterface 1170 may enhance the overall magnetic field generated by thecentral magnet array 1110, while a non-ferritic material may provide atleast a portion of a return path for magnetic flux and thus assist inlocalizing the flux within the case 1120. In some embodiments, themagnets 1111, 1112 are formed from neodymium while the frame istungsten. This combination may provide a strong magnetic field and adense mass, thereby yielding a high weight per volume structure that maybe used as the moving part of the haptic module 1100.

FIG. 12 depicts an example crown with an optical encoder in accordancewith some embodiments. The crown and optical encoder of FIG. 12 maycorrespond to the example crown 610 described above with respect to FIG.6. In particular, as described above, embodiments of the device includea crown used to accept rotary input from the user, which can be used tocontrol aspects of the device. For example, the crown can be turned bythe user to scroll a display or select from a range of values. In someembodiments, the crown can be rotated to move a cursor or other type ofselection mechanism from a first displayed location to a seconddisplayed location in order to select an icon or move the selectionmechanism between various icons that are output on the display. In atime keeping application, the crown can also be used to adjust theposition of watch hands or index digits displayed on the display of thedevice. The crown can also be used to control the volume of a speaker,the brightness of the display screen, or control other hardwaresettings.

The embodiments described herein can be used for at least a portion ofthe crown module integrated into a wearable electronic device. Theembodiments are provided as examples and do not necessarily include allof the components or elements used in a particular implementation.Additionally, the crown module is not intended to be limited to thespecific examples described below and can vary in some aspects dependingon the implementation.

In some embodiments, an optical encoder is used to detect the rotationalmotion of the crown. More specifically, the example provided below withrespect to FIG. 12 uses an optical encoder to detect rotationalmovement, rotational direction and/or rotational speed of a component ofthe electronic device. Once the rotational movement, rotationaldirection and/or rotational speed have been determined, this informationcan be used to output or change information and images that arepresented on a display or user interface of the electronic device.

As shown in the example embodiment of FIG. 12, the optical encoder ofthe present disclosure includes a light source 1270, a photodiode array1280, and a shaft 1260. However, unlike some traditional opticalencoders, the optical encoder of the present disclosure utilizes anencoding pattern 1265 disposed directly on the shaft 1260. As shown inFIG. 12, the encoding pattern 1265 includes a number of light and darkmarkings or stripes that are axially disposed along the shaft 1260. Eachstripe or combination of stripes on the shaft can be used to identify aposition of the shaft 1260. Light emitted from the light source 1270 isreflected off of the shaft 1260 and into the photodiode array 1280. Thereflected light can be used to determine the movement of the encodingpattern 1265, and thus the movement of the shaft 1260 and the crown1200. Using the output from the photodiode array 1280 can be used todetermine a position, rotation, rotation direction, and rotation speedof the shaft 1260. Based on the rotation, rotation direction, and/orspeed, the encoder output may be used to change information or imagesthat are presented on the display or user interface of the electronicdevice.

Although a photodiode array is specifically mentioned, embodimentsdisclosed herein can, optionally use various types of sensors that arearranged in various configurations for detecting the movement describedherein. In some embodiments, the movement of the shaft 1260 is detectedby an image sensor, a light sensor such as a CMOS light sensor orimager, a photovoltaic cell or system, photo resistive component, alaser scanner and the like.

The signals or output of the optical encoder can be used to controlvarious aspects of other components or modules of the device. Forexample, continuing with the time keeping application example discussedabove, the dial 1240 can be rotated in a clockwise manner in order toadvance the displayed time forward. In one implementation, the opticalencoder can be used to detect the rotational movement of the dial 1240,the direction of the movement, and the speed at which the dial 1240 isbeing rotated. Using the output from the optical encoder, the displayedhands of a time keeping application may rotate or otherwise move inaccordance with the user-provided rotational input. Additionally, oralternatively, an audio and/or haptic output may be generated inaccordance with the rotational movement of the dial 1240. For example,an audio click and/or a haptic tap can be output for every 5 degrees, 10degrees, or other degree amount of rotation of the dial 1240.

Referring back to FIG. 12, the crown 1200 is formed from dial 1240 thatis coupled to the shaft 1260. In some cases, the shaft 1260 and dial1240 are formed as a single piece. As the shaft 1260 is coupled to, oris otherwise a part of the dial 1240, as the dial 1240 rotates or movesin a particular direction and at a particular speed, the shaft 1260 alsorotates or moves in the same direction and with the same speed.

As shown in FIG. 12, the shaft 1260 of the optical encoder includes anencoding pattern 1265. As discussed above, the encoding pattern 1265 canbe used to determine positional information about the shaft 1260including rotational movement, angular displacement and movement speed.As shown in FIG. 12, the encoding pattern 1265 includes an array oflight and dark stripes.

Although light stripes and dark stripes are specifically mentioned andshown, the encoding pattern 1265 can consist of various types of stripeshaving various shades or colors that provide surface contrasts. Forexample, the encoding pattern 1265 can include a stripe or marking thathas a high reflective surface and another stripe that has a lowreflective surface regardless of the color or shading of the stripes ormarkings. In another embodiment, a first stripe of the encoding pattern1265 causes specular reflection while a second stripe of the encodingpattern causes diffuse reflection. When the reflected light is receivedby the photodiode array 1280, a determination can be made as to theposition and movement of the shaft such as described below. Inembodiments where a holographic or diffractive pattern is used, thelight from the light source 1270 diffracts from the shaft. Based on thediffracted light, the photodiode array 1280 can determine the position,movement and direction of movement of the shaft 1260.

In some embodiments, the stripes of the encoding pattern 1265 extendaxially along the shaft 1260. The stripes extend along the entire lengthof the shaft 1260 or partially along a length of the shaft 1260. Inaddition, the encoding pattern 1265 is disposed or formed around theentire circumference of the shaft 1260. In some embodiments, theencoding pattern 1265 includes a radial component. In yet otherembodiments, the encoding pattern 1265 includes both a radial componentand an axial component.

In accordance with some embodiments, FIG. 13 shows a functional blockdiagram of an electronic device 1300 configured in accordance with theprinciples of the various described embodiments. In particular, theelectronic device 1300 can be used to perform the process 700 describedabove with respect to FIG. 7A. The functional blocks of the device are,optionally, implemented by hardware, software, or a combination ofhardware and software to carry out the principles of the variousdescribed embodiments. It is understood by persons of skill in the artthat the functional blocks described in FIG. 13 are, optionally,combined or separated into sub-blocks to implement the principles of thevarious described embodiments. Therefore, the description hereinoptionally supports any possible combination or separation or furtherdefinition of the functional blocks described herein.

As shown in FIG. 13, an electronic device 1300 includes an eventdetection unit 1302 configured to detect the occurrence of an event, analert output unit 1304 configured to output an alert, a sensing unit1306 configured to detect one or more environmental conditions, and aprocessing unit 1310 coupled to the event detection unit 1302, the alertoutput unit 1304, and the sensing unit 1306. In some embodiments, theprocessing unit 1310 includes a response determining unit 1312 and aselecting unit 1314.

The processing unit 1310 is configured to, while the device is subjectto the one or more environmental conditions, detect the occurrence of anevent (e.g., using the event detection unit). In response to detectingthe occurrence of the event, determine a response to the event (e.g.,using the response determining unit) based on a current alert modeselected from a set of three or more alert modes (e.g., using theselecting unit), the selection based on the one or more environmentalconditions (e.g., using the sensing unit). The determining the responseincludes: in accordance with a determination that the current alert modeis a first alert mode, outputting a first alert in response to the event(e.g., using the alert output unit), and in accordance with adetermination that the current alert mode is a second alert mode,outputting a second alert in response to the event (e.g., using thealert output unit), wherein the second alert is different from the firstalert.

In some embodiments, the current alert mode is automatically selected(e.g., using the selecting unit), based on the one or more environmentalconditions prior detecting the occurrence of the event. The currentalert mode is automatically selected using an environmental sensor(e.g., of the sensing unit 1306) that is configured to detect the one ormore environmental conditions. In some embodiments, the environmentalsensor is a microphone configured to detect an ambient sound level, andthe current alert mode that is selected (e.g., using the selecting unit1314) includes one or more of: a visual component that corresponds tothe ambient sound level, an audio component that corresponds to theambient sound level and a haptic component that corresponds to theambient sound level. In some embodiments, the environmental sensor is amotion sensor configured to detect an activity level, and the currentalert mode that is selected (e.g., using the selecting unit 1314)includes one or more of: a visual component that corresponds to theactivity level, an audio component that corresponds to the activitylevel and a haptic component that corresponds to the activity level. Insome embodiments, the environmental sensor is an image sensor configuredto detect an ambient light level, and the current alert mode that isselected (e.g., using the selecting unit 1314) includes one or more of:a visual component that corresponds to the ambient light level, an audiocomponent that corresponds to the ambient light level, and a hapticcomponent that corresponds to the ambient light level. In someembodiments, the environmental sensor is a battery power sensorconfigured to detect a current battery level, and the current alert modethat is selected (e.g., using the selecting unit 1314) includes one ormore of an audio component and a haptic component, wherein an estimatedpeak power output of the current alert mode corresponds to the currentbattery level.

In some embodiments, the first alert mode includes a first hapticcomponent and a first visual component, and the second alert modeincludes a second haptic component and no visual component. In someembodiments, the first alert mode includes a first audio component and afirst haptic component, and the second alert mode includes a secondaudio component and second haptic component, wherein the first audio andfirst haptic component are different than the second audio component andthe second haptic component, respectively. In some embodiments, thefirst alert mode includes no audio component and no haptic component. Insome embodiments, the first alert mode includes a first audio componentand a first haptic component offset by a first delay, and the secondalert mode includes the first audio component and the first hapticcomponent offset by a second delay that is different than the firstdelay.

In some embodiments, the processing unit 1310 is further configured to,after selecting the current alert mode, select a subsequent currentalert mode (e.g., using the selecting unit 1314) based on a changedenvironmental condition. In some embodiments, determining the responseto the event includes, in accordance with a determination that thecurrent alert mode is a third alert mode (e.g., using the responsedetermining unit 1312), outputting a third alert in response to theevent, wherein the third alert is different from the first alert and thesecond alert.

In accordance with some embodiments, FIG. 14 shows a functional blockdiagram of an electronic device 1400 configured in accordance with theprinciples of the various described embodiments. In particular, theelectronic device 1400 can be used to perform the process 710 describedabove with respect to FIG. 7B. The functional blocks of the device are,optionally, implemented by hardware, software, or a combination ofhardware and software to carry out the principles of the variousdescribed embodiments. It is understood by persons of skill in the artthat the functional blocks described in FIG. 14 are, optionally,combined or separated into sub-blocks to implement the principles of thevarious described embodiments. Therefore, the description hereinoptionally supports any possible combination or separation or furtherdefinition of the functional blocks described herein.

As shown in FIG. 14, an electronic device 1400 includes an eventdetection unit 1402 configured to detect the occurrence of an event, analert output unit 1404 configured to output an alert, a sensing unit1406 configured to detect an activity level, and a processing unit 1410coupled to the event detection unit 1402, the alert output unit 1404,and the sensing unit 1406. In some embodiments, the processing unit 1410includes a response determining unit 1412 configured to determine if anactivity level exceeds a threshold.

The processing unit 1410 is configured to, detect an event (e.g., usingthe event detection unit 1402) and, in response to detecting the event,in accordance with a determination that an activity level exceeds athreshold (e.g., using the threshold determining unit 1412), forgoingoutputting an alert. In accordance with a determination that theactivity level does not exceed the threshold (e.g., using the thresholddetermining unit 1412), outputting the alert (e.g., using the alertoutput unit 1404).

In some embodiments, the activity level is determined using a motionsensor of the electronic device (e.g., using the sensing unit 1406). Insome embodiments, the activity level is determined using a motion sensorof the electronic device to detect a number of motion events over apredetermined time (e.g., using the sensing unit 1406).

In some embodiments, the processing unit 1410 is further configured to,after forgoing outputting the alert, detect that the activity level hasdropped below a low-activity threshold (e.g., using the thresholddetermining unit 1412) and output the alert (e.g., using the alertoutput unit 1404). In some embodiments, the low-activity threshold isdifferent than the threshold. In some embodiments, the processing unit1410 is further comprised to, after a predetermined amount of time afterforgoing the alert, make a subsequent determination (e.g., using thethreshold determining unit 1412) whether the threshold has beenexceeded, and, in accordance with the subsequent determination that theactivity level exceeds a threshold (e.g., using the thresholddetermining unit 1412), forgo outputting an alert, and in accordancewith the subsequent determination that the activity level does notexceed the threshold (e.g., using the threshold determining unit 1412),outputting the alert (e.g., using the alert outputting unit 1404).

In accordance with some embodiments, FIG. 15 shows a functional blockdiagram of an electronic device 1500 configured in accordance with theprinciples of the various described embodiments. In particular, theelectronic device 1500 can be used to perform the process 720 describedabove with respect to FIG. 7C. The functional blocks of the device are,optionally, implemented by hardware, software, or a combination ofhardware and software to carry out the principles of the variousdescribed embodiments. It is understood by persons of skill in the artthat the functional blocks described in FIG. 15 are, optionally,combined or separated into sub-blocks to implement the principles of thevarious described embodiments. Therefore, the description hereinoptionally supports any possible combination or separation or furtherdefinition of the functional blocks described herein.

As shown in FIG. 15, an electronic device 1500 includes an eventdetection unit 1502 configured to detect the occurrence of an event, analert output unit 1504 configured to output an alert, and a processingunit 1510 coupled to the event detection unit 1502 and the alert outputunit 1504. In some embodiments, the processing unit 1410 includes athreshold determining unit 1512 that is configured to determine whethera number of events exceeds a threshold.

The processing unit 1510 is configured to detecting an event (e.g.,using the event detection unit 1502). In response to detecting theevent, the processing unit 1510 is further configured to, in accordancewith a determination that a number of events that have been detectedover a predetermined period exceeds a threshold (e.g., using thethreshold determining unit 1512), and outputting an alert (e.g., usingthe alert output unit 1504), and in accordance with a determination thatthe number of events that have been detected over the predeterminedperiod does not exceed the threshold (e.g., using the thresholddetermining unit 1512), forgoing outputting the alert.

In some embodiments, the processing unit 1510 is further configured todetect a subsequent event (e.g., using the event detection unit), and inresponse to detecting the subsequent event: if an alert associated witha previous event has been forgone, and in accordance with adetermination that the number of events that have been detected over thepredetermined period exceeds the threshold (e.g., using the thresholddetermining unit 1512), outputting the alert (e.g., using the alertoutput unit 1504), wherein the alert is based, at least in part, on theprevious event having the alert that has been forgone. In someembodiments, the determination as to whether or not the number of eventsthat have been detected over the predetermined period (e.g., using thethreshold determining unit 1512) includes counting the event. In someembodiments, the determination as to whether or not the number of eventsthat have been detected over the predetermined period (e.g., using thethreshold determining unit 1512) includes counting one or more priorevents that were detected within the predetermined period before theevent was detected. In some embodiments, the alert includes informationindicative of the event and one or more prior events occurring prior tothe event. In some embodiments, a strength of the alert (e.g., using thealert output unit 1504) corresponds to the number of detected events. Insome embodiments, the strength of the alert corresponds to a frequencyand a type of detected events. In some embodiments, the event includesone or more of: receiving an e-mail, receiving a phone call, receiving amessage, and receiving calendar reminder.

In accordance with some embodiments, FIG. 16 shows a functional blockdiagram of an electronic device 1600 configured in accordance with theprinciples of the various described embodiments. In particular, theelectronic device 1600 can be used to perform the process 730 describedabove with respect to FIG. 7D. The functional blocks of the device are,optionally, implemented by hardware, software, or a combination ofhardware and software to carry out the principles of the variousdescribed embodiments. It is understood by persons of skill in the artthat the functional blocks described in FIG. 16 are, optionally,combined or separated into sub-blocks to implement the principles of thevarious described embodiments. Therefore, the description hereinoptionally supports any possible combination or separation or furtherdefinition of the functional blocks described herein.

As shown in FIG. 16, an electronic device 1600 includes an alert outputunit 1602 configured to output an alert, an input unit 1604 configuredto receive an interaction from the user, and a processing unit 1610coupled to the alert output unit 1602 and the input unit 1604. In someembodiments, the processing unit 1610 includes a detection unit 1612configured cooperate with the input unit 1604 to detect an interactionreceived by the user, and a selecting unit 1614 configured to select amodified alert sequence.

The processing unit 1610 is configured to, output a portion of an alertsequence (e.g., using the alert output unit 1602). The alert sequenceincludes predetermined sequence of alert outputs. The processing unit1610 is also configured to detect an interaction from the user (e.g.,using the detecting unit) during the output of the portion of the alarmsequence (e.g., using the alert output unit 1602). In response todetecting the interaction, the processing unit 1610 is furtherconfigured to select a modified alert sequence (e.g., using theselecting unit 1614) in response to the input, and output the modifiedalert sequence (e.g., using the alert output unit 1602).

In some embodiments, the alert sequence includes a series of alarmoutputs that escalate in intensity over time. In some embodiments, themodified alert sequence is a non-escalating alert sequence. In someembodiments, the alert sequence is a sequence of alerts that correspondto a single event. In some embodiments, the modified alert sequence is asilent alert sequence having no audio component. In some embodiments,the input received at the input unit 1604 includes a request to reducean intrusiveness the portion of the alert sequence, and the modifiedalert sequence has a reduced intrusiveness. In some embodiments, theinput received at the input unit 1604 includes a request to increase anintrusiveness of the portion of the alert sequence and the modifiedalert sequence has an increased intrusiveness.

In accordance with some embodiments, FIG. 17 shows a functional blockdiagram of an electronic device 1700 configured in accordance with theprinciples of the various described embodiments. In particular, theelectronic device 1700 can be used to perform the process 740 describedabove with respect to FIG. 7E. The functional blocks of the device are,optionally, implemented by hardware, software, or a combination ofhardware and software to carry out the principles of the variousdescribed embodiments. It is understood by persons of skill in the artthat the functional blocks described in FIG. 17 are, optionally,combined or separated into sub-blocks to implement the principles of thevarious described embodiments. Therefore, the description hereinoptionally supports any possible combination or separation or furtherdefinition of the functional blocks described herein.

As shown in FIG. 17, an electronic device 1700 includes an eventdetection unit 1702 configured to detect an event, an alert output unit1704 configured to output an alert, a communication unit 1706 that isconfigured to conduct communication between the electronic device and anexternal device, and a processing unit 1710 coupled to the eventdetection unit 1702 and the alert output unit 1704. In some embodiments,the processing unit 1710 includes a proximity determining unit 1712configured to determine if a second device is proximate to theelectronic device and a device selection unit 1714 configured to selecta device to output an alert.

The processing unit 1710 is configured to detecting an event (e.g.,using the event detection unit 1702). In response to detecting theevent, the processing unit 1710 is configured to, in accordance with adetermination that a second device is in proximity to the first device(e.g., using the proximity detection unit 1712), select an alert-outputdevice (using the device selection unit 1714), and output the alert onthe alert-output device (e.g., using the alert output unit 1704). Insome embodiments, the alert is not output on a device that is notselected as the alert-output device. In some embodiments, the alert isrelayed to the second device using the first device (e.g., using thecommunication unit 1706). In some embodiments, the first device is amobile phone and the second device is a wearable computing device. Insome embodiments, a communication channel is established between thesecond device and the first device using a pairing operation (e.g.,using the communication unit).

In some embodiments, at least one additional device is in proximity tothe first device, and the alert-output device is selected (e.g., usingthe device selecting unit 1714) from the first device, the seconddevice, and the at least one additional device. In some embodiments, thealert-output device is selected (e.g., using the device selecting unit1714) based on a user-provided prioritization. In some embodiments, ifthe user does not interact with the alert-output device after the alertis sent, then a second alert is sent using a device that was notselected as the alert-output device. In some embodiments, the first andsecond devices are updated in response to the detected event, andwherein the alert is only output on the selected alert-output device.

In some embodiments, the alert-output device is selected (e.g., usingthe device selection unit 1714) based on a usage of one or more of: thefirst device and the second device, wherein the usage includes a time ofusage, and either the first or second device having a time of usage thatis most recent is selected as the alert-output device.

In some embodiments, the alert-output device is selected (e.g., usingthe device selection unit 1714) based on a usage of one or more of: thefirst device and the second device, wherein the usage includes a time ofusage and an amount of usage, and either the first or second devicehaving an amount of usage that is greater over a predetermined timeperiod is selected as the alert-output device.

In some embodiments, the alert-output device is selected (e.g., usingthe device selection unit 1714) based on a usage of one or more of: thefirst device and the second device, wherein the usage includes a type ofusage, and either the first or second device having a type of usage thatcorresponds to a predetermined usage type is selected as thealert-output device.

In accordance with some embodiments, FIG. 18 shows a functional blockdiagram of an electronic device 1800 configured in accordance with theprinciples of the various described embodiments. In particular, theelectronic device 1800 can be used to perform the process 750 describedabove with respect to FIG. 7F. The functional blocks of the device are,optionally, implemented by hardware, software, or a combination ofhardware and software to carry out the principles of the variousdescribed embodiments. It is understood by persons of skill in the artthat the functional blocks described in FIG. 18 are, optionally,combined or separated into sub-blocks to implement the principles of thevarious described embodiments. Therefore, the description hereinoptionally supports any possible combination or separation or furtherdefinition of the functional blocks described herein.

As shown in FIG. 18, an electronic device 1800 includes an input unit1802 configured to receive an input from the user, an alert output unit1804 configured to output an alert, and a processing unit 1810 coupledto the input unit 1802 and the alert output unit 1804. In someembodiments, the processing unit 1810 includes a detection unit 1812configured cooperate with the input unit 1802 to detect a property ofthe input provided by the user, and a selecting unit 1814 configured toselect a modified alert sequence.

The input unit 1802 is configured to receive a first input on thedevice, the first input being below an input threshold. In response todetecting the first input (e.g., using the detection unit 1812), theprocessing unit 1810 is configured to produce a first output (e.g.,using the alert output unit 1804). The first output includes a hapticcomponent for the first input that is coordinated with an audiocomponent for the first input. The input unit 1802 is also configured toreceive a second input on the device. The processing unit 1810 isconfigured to, in response to detecting the second input (e.g., usingthe detection unit 1812), produce a second output in response to thesecond input (e.g., using the alert output unit 1804). The processingunit 1810 is further configured to, in accordance with a determinationthat the second input is below the input threshold (e.g., using thedetermining unit 1816), produce a second output (e.g., using the alertoutput unit 1804), which includes a haptic component for the secondinput that is coordinated with an audio component for the second input.The processing unit 1810 is further configured to, in accordance with adetermination that the second input is above the input threshold (e.g.,using the determining unit 1816), produce a second output (e.g., usingthe alert output unit 1804) that includes a modified haptic componentfor the second input.

In some embodiments, the haptic component for the first input issynchronized with the audio component for the first input, if the secondinput is below the input threshold, the haptic component for the secondinput is synchronized with the audio component for the second input, andif the second input is above the input threshold, the haptic componentfor the second input is asynchronous with respect to the audio componentfor the second input. In some embodiments, the input threshold includesa speed threshold, the synchronous haptic is a discrete haptic outputthat corresponds to a discrete audio output, and the asynchronous hapticis a continuous haptic output.

In some embodiments, the input unit 1802 receives a first input and asecond input that are rotation inputs. In some embodiments, the inputunit 1802 receives a rotation that is a circular motion on atouch-sensitive region of the electronic device. In some embodiments,the input unit 1802 receives a rotation that is rotation of a physicalknob integrated into the device. In some embodiments, the alert outputunit 1804 produces an audio component that includes a series of clicksounds that corresponds to changes in angular position of the knob. Insome embodiments, the input unit 1802 receives a first input and secondinputs that are scrolling inputs for a display of the electronic device.In some embodiments, the alert output unit 1804 produces an audiocomponent that includes a series of click sounds that correspond to amovement through a list of items on the display of the electronicdevice.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described above with referenceto block diagrams and operational illustrations of methods and the like.The operations described may occur out of the order as shown in any ofthe figures. Additionally, one or more operations may be removed orexecuted substantially concurrently. For example, two blocks shown insuccession may be executed substantially concurrently. Additionally, theblocks may be executed in the reverse order.

The description and illustration of one or more embodiments provided inthis disclosure are not intended to limit or restrict the scope of thepresent disclosure as claimed. The embodiments, examples, and detailsprovided in this disclosure are considered sufficient to conveypossession and enable others to make and use the best mode of theclaimed embodiments. Additionally, the claimed embodiments should not beconstrued as being limited to any embodiment, example, or detailprovided above. Regardless of whether shown and described in combinationor separately, the various features, including structural features andmethodological features, are intended to be selectively included oromitted to produce an embodiment with a particular set of features.Having been provided with the description and illustration of thepresent application, one skilled in the art may envision variations,modifications, and alternate embodiments falling within the spirit ofthe broader aspects of the embodiments described herein that do notdepart from the broader scope of the claimed embodiments.

We claim:
 1. A method for outputting alerts at an electronic device,comprising: detecting an alert condition; and in response to detectingthe alert condition: in accordance with a determination that a user isnot looking at the electronic device, generating a first haptic alertcorresponding to the alert condition; and in accordance with adetermination that the user is looking at the electronic device,generating a second haptic alert corresponding to the alert condition,the second haptic alert having at least one of a reduced duration or areduced energy output compared to the first haptic alert.
 2. The methodof claim 1, further comprising determining whether the user is lookingat the electronic device using an optical sensor.
 3. The method of claim1, wherein the determination that the user is looking at the electronicdevice comprises a determination that at least one of a location or amovement of an eye of the user is consistent with the user viewing theelectronic device.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the determinationthat the user is looking at the electronic device comprises adetermination that a face of the user is near a display of theelectronic device.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein: the first hapticalert has a first duration; and the second haptic alert has a secondduration less than the first duration.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein: the first haptic alert has a first energy output; and thesecond haptic alert has a second energy output less than the firstenergy output.
 7. An electronic device, comprising: a haptic device; aninput device; one or more processors; memory; and one or more programsstored in the memory and configured to be executed by the one or moreprocessors, and including instructions for: detecting, using the one ormore processors, an alert condition; and in response to detecting thealert condition: in accordance with a determination that a user is notlooking at the electronic device, generating, by the haptic device, afirst haptic alert corresponding to the alert condition; and inaccordance with a determination that the user is looking at theelectronic device, generating, by the haptic device, a second hapticalert corresponding to the alert condition, the second haptic alerthaving at least one of a reduced duration or a reduced energy outputcompared to the first haptic alert.
 8. The electronic device of claim 7,wherein: the input device is an optical sensor; and the one or moreprograms further include instructions for determining whether the useris looking at the electronic device using the optical sensor.
 9. Theelectronic device of claim 8, wherein the optical sensor is configuredto sense at least one of a position or a movement of a user's eye. 10.The electronic device of claim 8, wherein the optical sensor isconfigured to sense a position of a user's face.
 11. The electronicdevice of claim 7, wherein: the first haptic alert has a first duration;and the second haptic alert has a second duration less than the firstduration.
 12. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium storingone or more programs, the one or more programs comprising instructions,which when executed by an electronic device having one or moreprocessors and memory, cause the electronic device to: detect an alertcondition; and in response to detecting the alert condition: inaccordance with a determination that a user is not looking at theelectronic device, generate a first haptic alert corresponding to thealert condition; and in accordance with a determination that the user islooking at the electronic device, generate a second haptic alertcorresponding to the alert condition, the second haptic alert having atleast one of a reduced duration or a reduced energy output compared tothe first haptic alert.
 13. The non-transitory computer readable storagemedium of claim 12, wherein the instructions further cause theelectronic device to determine whether the user is looking at theelectronic device using an optical sensor.
 14. The non-transitorycomputer readable storage medium of claim 12, wherein the determinationthat the user is looking at the electronic device comprises adetermination that at least one of a location or a movement of an eye ofthe user is consistent with the user viewing the electronic device. 15.The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 12, whereinthe determination that the user is looking at the electronic devicecomprises a determination that a face of the user is near a display ofthe electronic device.
 16. The non-transitory computer readable storagemedium of claim 12, wherein: the first haptic alert has a firstduration; and the second haptic alert has a second duration less thanthe first duration.